Building Beyond Planning: PM Abiy Ahmed Stresses Execution Capacity as the Defining Factor in National Development

Addis Ababa, June 15, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, during his visit to the Bishoftu International Airport construction site, underscored that Ethiopia’s development drive depends not only on planning and investment allocation, but fundamentally on execution capacity and delivery systems.

The Prime Minister noted that even when projects are properly designed, approved, and fully budgeted, many still face challenges during implementation, where execution gaps emerge and prevent intended outcomes from being achieved.

He explained that a recurring challenge in national development is that projects often stall or experience delays after the approval phase due to weaknesses in execution systems, supervision structures, and implementation experience.

PM Abiy stressed that such shortcomings in coordination, control, and implementation capacity frequently result in delays, cost overruns, or incomplete project delivery.

He further emphasized that strengthening execution discipline and improving project management systems is essential to ensure that development initiatives are completed as planned, on schedule, and with required standards.

The Prime Minister also pointed to broader structural challenges in infrastructure delivery across Africa, noting that many projects face similar problems linked to weak control systems, implementation gaps, and external interference.

He underlined that addressing these constraints is necessary to avoid inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and delays in large-scale development programs.

PM Abiy concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening institutional capacity for project execution, stating that Ethiopia must continue improving its systems to ensure effective delivery of complex national development projects.