Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) announced today during the 42nd regular session of the House of People’s Representatives that Ethiopia will soon begin marketing its own gas products, marking a historic milestone in the country’s economic transformation. This significant development demonstrates Ethiopia’s evolution from merely holding resources to becoming an active player in the global energy market.
Addressing parliament, Prime Minister Abiy recalled how gas production efforts in Ethiopia had stalled for years due to lack of leadership and regulatory clarity. “Until recently, companies involved in the gas sector sought only to obtain licenses and profit without actual production,” he said. “We have now eliminated such practices, and we are set to launch our first gas production this September, with marketing to commence shortly after.”
This breakthrough is part of a broad national economic reform strategy aimed at diversifying Ethiopia’s economy, boosting industrial capacity, and enhancing energy independence.
In the mineral sector, the Prime Minister highlighted Ethiopia’s vast potential and recent successes. Last fiscal year, the country exported 37 tons of gold, a dramatic increase from just four tons the previous year, generating $3.5 billion in revenue. “After years of neglect, we are now unlocking the full potential of our mineral resources, contributing substantially to national development,” Abiy said.
The government is also advancing its fertiliser industry through a strategic partnership with Nigeria’s Dangote Group to construct a major fertiliser factory. Expected to be commissioned within 40 months, this factory will enhance agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on imports.
The industrial sector remains a key driver of growth, with an anticipated expansion of 12.8 percent this year. The “Made in Ethiopia” initiative has increased production capacity from 59 to 65 percent in just one year, supported by higher energy consumption now at 40 percent of sector needs. Cement production rose by 16 percent, steel products by 18 percent, and a large glass factory with an annual capacity of 600,000 tons is nearing completion, slated for opening by early next year. Additionally, solar panel manufacturing facilities are under development.
The service sector is projected to grow by 8.1 percent, fueled by tourism, transport, telecommunications, and financial services. Ethiopia has hosted over 150 international events this year, attracting approximately 1.3 million foreign visitors. Major infrastructure projects such as corridor developments, Unity Park, the National Palace, the Science Museum, and Friendship Park have collectively drawn 1.5 million visitors, generating more than half a billion birr in revenue. Ethiopian Airlines expanded its fleet by adding 13 new aircraft, servicing over 19 million passengers and opening six new international routes.
Financial sector reforms have driven rapid digital transformation, with mobile money users reaching 55 million and digital transactions surpassing cash at 12.5 trillion birr. Virtual loans disbursed through these platforms amounted to 24.5 billion birr, increasing financial inclusion and supporting entrepreneurship.
These combined efforts have propelled Ethiopia’s export revenues to over $8.1 billion—surpassing the target by $3 billion—and brought total foreign exchange earnings, excluding loans and grants, to $32 billion. Remittances contributed $7 billion, while foreign direct investment reached $4 billion, underscoring growing international confidence in Ethiopia’s reforms.
Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the government remains committed not only to initiating projects but also ensuring their completion and long-term sustainability. “From launching our own gas production to expanding industrial capacity and growing our service sector, Ethiopia is embracing a new era of economic self-reliance and global engagement,” he stated.