Ethiopian cities are nuclei of unity, hosting diverse cultures, languages, and religions – PM Abiy Ahmed

Addis Ababa, March 25, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that Ethiopian cities serve as nuclei of unity, bringing together citizens from diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, and forming a foundational social and economic base for national development.

In an interview with local TV station Kana TV, the Prime Minister explained that under the Medemer government, urban centers are recognized as critical social pillars, reflecting the country’s civilization, modernization, and shared identity.

He noted that previous administrations often regarded cities and their residents with suspicion, failing to harness their potential as political, social, and economic engines—a practice that impeded national progress.

Abiy highlighted Addis Ababa as a prime example, generating nearly half of Ethiopia’s annual GDP while serving as a hub of coexistence, where citizens from different parts of the country live together peacefully and contribute to national cohesion. He added that other rapidly developing urban centers across Ethiopia similarly host communities with vast human and innovative potential, which, if effectively utilized, can accelerate socio-economic advancement.

The Prime Minister stressed that cities are engines of prosperity, innovation, and production, with residents forming the backbone of national transformation. He cautioned that excluding urban populations or unfairly categorizing them would undermine development, noting that inclusive urbanization is essential for building a strong and cohesive nation.

He further outlined that urban centers reflect a country’s civilization and modernity, highlighting how ongoing infrastructure and corridor development, riverside projects, recreational spaces, and one-stop service centers are already improving quality of life and fostering social cohesion.

These initiatives, he said, have made cities more accessible, livable, and socially integrated, providing platforms for community interaction, cultural exchange, and economic activity.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the strategic importance of cities as symbols of national identity, efficiency, and progress, where diverse cultures, languages, and religions coexist in harmony. He emphasized that urbanization, when planned and inclusive, strengthens national unity and creates tangible opportunities for education, employment, and innovation.

PM Abiy concluded that Ethiopian cities are not merely population centers but nuclei where social, cultural, and economic forces converge, forming the foundation for national transformation and long-term prosperity.