Addis Ababa, November 22, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia’s vision for inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development as he addressed the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday.
Speaking at the first G20 summit held on African soil, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s development philosophy, Medemer, describing it as a framework for unity, collaboration, and shared progress. “From this legacy comes Medemer, a philosophy of unity and diversity, of synergetic collaboration that multiplies potential and of progress shared by all. Guided by this spirit, Ethiopia is moving toward inclusive growth,” he said.
The Prime Minister outlined Ethiopia’s economic transformation, noting that cities are emerging as innovation hubs, industrial parks are reshaping economies, and young entrepreneurs are creating businesses previously unimaginable.
He stressed that inclusive participation is essential for sustainable development: “For too long, countries like ours have been labeled fragile or poor. Yet our story is a quiet revolution of bold actions rewriting what is possible because growth is the achievement of people who refuse to be left behind. In Ethiopia, we have learned that inclusivity is not charity, it is efficiency.”
Abiy also highlighted Ethiopia’s climate action efforts through the Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 48 billion seedlings to restore soils, watersheds, and hope. He called for ecological restoration and climate-smart investments to become part of the global investment landscape.
On energy and digital transformation, he said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam symbolizes Africa’s renewable energy ambition, with Ethiopia expanding into solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear power.
The Prime Minister envisions an Africa-wide energy network that drives industrialization while supporting net-zero emissions.
Regarding digital development, Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s liberalization of telecom, expansion of broadband, and advancement of digital finance. By 2030, Ethiopia aims to complete its national digital public infrastructure, integrating IDs, payments, and data platforms to serve citizens.
He also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in predicting droughts, diagnosing diseases, and supporting local languages, ensuring technology benefits all.
PM Abiy proposed that the G20 adopt a new approach to measuring development, emphasizing resilience and the capacity of societies to adapt rather than GDP alone. “Let us count not only GDP but the capacity of societies to withstand and adapt because that ultimately is what sustains development,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to contribute to global development guided by Medemer principles. “Ethiopia stands ready, rooted in Medemer (Synergy), to contribute to this shared global journey. I thank you,” he said.