Ethiopia Sets Five-Day Pagume Observance to Turn Year-End Reflection into Momentum for 2019 E.C.

Addis Ababa, September 2, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia will observe the five days of Pagume under the overarching theme “Ethiopia’s Renewal,” using the year-end period to reflect on the outgoing year, renew national commitment and build momentum for the 2019 Ethiopian calendar year, Government Communication Service State Minister Kebede Desisa said today at a media briefing in Addis Ababa.

As Ethiopia prepares to enter the new year, Kebede said the five-day observance has been structured to connect reflection on the outgoing year with renewed momentum for the future. Pagume 1 will be observed as the Day of Leap Up, Pagume 2 as the Day of Renewal, Pagume 3 as the Day of Resilience, Pagume 4 as the Day of Unity and Pagume 5 as the Day of Tomorrow.

Kebede said the Day of Leap Up will highlight Ethiopia’s advances in production, productivity and economic development, while the Day of Renewal will focus on the expansion of the country’s economic base and emerging growth sectors, including agriculture, industry, mining, tourism, the digital economy and renewable energy.

The Day of Resilience will commemorate Ethiopia’s history of safeguarding its independence and sovereignty and honor those who contributed to defending the country. At 6 a.m., the national flag will be raised and the national anthem sung at government and private institutions across the country and at Ethiopian diplomatic missions abroad.

On the Day of Unity, Kebede said the observance will emphasize Ethiopia’s diversity as a source of strength and the importance of dialogue and solidarity.

Activities will include free medical examinations and treatment for about 150,000 citizens in need, blood donation campaigns, community solidarity activities, educational support for students and food-sharing initiatives for low-income citizens.

The Day of Tomorrow will focus on Ethiopia’s future, particularly the digital economy, digital infrastructure, information and data sovereignty, artificial intelligence, youth skills development and the digitization of government services.

Kebede said Pagume will provide an opportunity to assess the achievements and remaining gaps of the outgoing year while renewing national commitment to the priorities of 2019 E.C.

The five-day program will therefore combine commemorative activities with practical public-service and community initiatives, linking reflection on the past year with Ethiopia’s preparations for the year ahead.