February sees advances in growth, digital transformation and global cooperation: PM Office

Addis Ababa, March 3, 2026 (FMC) — The Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia has reported that February was marked by advances in economic growth, digital connectivity and international cooperation, alongside ongoing infrastructure and development initiatives.

In a monthly recap, the PM Office stated that the Prime Minister addressed the 10th Regular Session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, highlighting progress in economic diversification and projecting a gross domestic product growth rate of 10.2 percent by year-end.

The PM Office emphasized measures aimed at fiscal discipline, noting that no new commercial loans in U.S. dollars have been contracted since the reform process began, a policy designed to mitigate debt pressures.

The recap reported strong economic performance over the six-month period, including 5.1 billion U.S. dollars in merchandise exports—exceeding the planned target by 120 percent—along with 4.5 billion U.S. dollars in service exports and 4.6 billion U.S. dollars in remittances.

Technological progress was also cited, with the establishment of Africa’s first artificial intelligence institute and the world’s second AI university, accompanied by increased connectivity through 97 million mobile users and 58 million mobile money users.

On governance and peace, the PM Office stated that the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of dialogue in resolving differences and affirmed the rights of residents in Wolkait to live in peace. The recap also underscored the role of the Tigrayan population as active participants in the political process.

Infrastructure initiatives continued during the period, including observations of urban corridor development in Hawassa and the Nekemte corridor project, which incorporates smart traffic systems and underground utility networks. These projects form part of broader modernization efforts aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and service delivery.

Agricultural and food security measures were also highlighted. The Prime Minister visited sites under the “Bounty of the Basket” initiative and reviewed irrigation projects designed to improve water access and agricultural productivity.

The PM Office reported the near completion of the Arjo Didessa Irrigation Project and the launch of construction on the Busa Gonofa Integrated Food Industry, a facility intended to process up to 2,000 tons of maize daily.

Under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, technological initiatives included the launch of the country’s first unmanned smart police service aimed at enhancing law enforcement through digital systems. The industrial sector recorded growth in manufacturing capacity, reaching 66.3 percent, supported by initiatives promoting domestic production and the “Made in Ethiopia” program.

The recap also referenced the Tulu Kapi Gold Development Project, a public-private partnership intended to expand resource utilization and stimulate economic activity.

Ecotourism and sustainable development efforts featured prominently. The PM Office reported the inauguration of the Logo Hayk Resort under the “Dine for Generations” initiative and progress on the Sorga Eco Lodge project focused on environmental conservation and tourism development. Rural programs incorporating solar energy and biogas systems were also cited as measures to improve living standards in remote areas.

International engagements included high-level diplomatic meetings addressing trade, investment and regional cooperation. During an official visit to Azerbaijan, agreements were signed on defense cooperation and digital transformation, alongside memoranda of understanding on investment and anti-corruption initiatives.

The PM Office also noted participation in multilateral discussions during the 39th session of the African Union Summit.

On security, the Prime Minister attended the 65th anniversary of the Defense Forces Special Operations Command and observed demonstrations showcasing modernized operational capabilities.

Institutional reforms, the recap stated, are aimed at strengthening security readiness in response to evolving challenges.

Politically, the Prime Minister presided over council meetings of the Prosperity Party to review strategic priorities and reaffirm commitments to a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The Office of the Prime Minister characterized February’s developments as part of sustained efforts to advance economic transformation, infrastructure modernization and international cooperation.