Addis Ababa, April 20, 2026 (FMC) — The Ethiopian government has reported strong macroeconomic performance, job creation, and broad structural economic shifts as it presented a comprehensive review of progress achieved during the 100-day review and nine-month performance period.
In the report delivered by the Minister for Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, it was noted that the economy had been operating in a challenging environment characterized by weak institutions, low productivity, limited private sector participation, and underperforming state-owned enterprises.
The government indicated that it has implemented a pragmatic reform agenda aimed at opening the economy to competition, advancing home-grown policy solutions, and diversifying growth across sectors. These efforts have been supported by new financing mechanisms, including capital market development and expanded public-private and public–people partnerships, as well as strengthened economic governance systems and faster project execution.
The report highlighted a shift toward positioning the private sector as a central driver of growth, alongside strengthened development partnerships and ongoing debt restructuring initiatives. Institutional reforms, social inclusion measures, and improvements in service delivery were also cited as key components of the broader reform process.
It further noted that a more proactive and citizen-centered diplomatic approach has strengthened regional integration and international engagement, with milestones including entry into BRICS+, expanded trade and investment partnerships, leadership in climate diplomacy, and selection to host COP32, as well as continued efforts toward securing sea access.
According to the report, these reforms have supported strong economic performance, with growth currently at 9.2 percent and projected to reach 10.2 percent. The economy has sustained an average growth rate of 7.5 percent over the past eight years.
On investment performance, 2,153 investment licenses were issued, with 65 percent in the manufacturing sector. State-owned enterprises reportedly shifted from an 8 billion birr loss position to generating 2.1 trillion birr in revenue over nine months, while creating approximately 96,000 jobs within the same period.
Sectoral progress includes increased agricultural mechanization, a rise in manufacturing’s market share from 25 to 46 percent, growth in gold exports, expansion of tourism investment and destinations, and rapid digital transformation through 4G and 5G deployment, expansion of digital public services, and development of emerging AI-focused institutions.
The report also noted progress in green growth and climate resilience initiatives, including reforestation, emissions reduction efforts, and climate-smart agriculture. Humanitarian systems were strengthened through improved reserve capacity, expanded storage infrastructure, enhanced early warning and emergency response systems, and increased community participation.
The Ethiopian government concluded that the reporting period reflects measurable progress toward building a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient economy driven by structural reform, sectoral transformation, and strengthened global engagement.