Addis Ababa, May 29, 2026 (FMC) — Egyptian dams and water resources expert Dr. Muhammed Hafiz has said Ethiopia possesses the foundations to emerge as one of Africa’s strongest economies within the coming decade, citing the country’s accelerating infrastructure expansion, energy development, and agricultural transformation.
Speaking on Ethiopia’s ongoing development trajectory, Hafiz noted that the country has witnessed rapid economic progress since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office in 2018, describing the large-scale infrastructure and development projects underway as strategic investments that will benefit future generations.
According to him, the current policy direction is strengthening Ethiopia’s state capacity and laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth and competitiveness.
In a recent interview with Egyptian media El Sharq TV, Hafiz highlighted Ethiopia’s expanding electricity generation capacity, growing road and airport infrastructure, and achievements in wheat production as key indicators of the country’s economic momentum.
He said Ethiopia has managed to attain wheat self-sufficiency despite productivity levels per acre remaining lower than those recorded in Egypt, adding that the country has nevertheless made notable strides across political, economic, and agricultural sectors.
The expert further emphasized Ethiopia’s significant potential to expand agricultural and food exports to regional and international markets, particularly to Gulf countries.
Hafiz also underscored what he described as Ethiopia’s vast development capabilities, noting that improved maritime access would further accelerate the country’s economic ambitions.
“If Ethiopia secures direct port access, the pace of its economic transformation could significantly accelerate,” he indicated, adding that such progress could elevate the country’s production growth to levels comparable to the early stages of major industrial expansion witnessed elsewhere globally.
Commenting on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Hafiz dismissed concerns surrounding the dam’s safety and operational status, stating that available satellite imagery indicates the turbines continue to function normally and that water flow remains stable.
He also rejected recent media reports and claims suggesting that the dam’s turbines had stopped operating, asserting that such reports were inaccurate and did not reflect the actual operational condition of the GERD.
Reporting by Amir Bedru
Editor: Mesafint Brlie