Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s reform agenda was built on the understanding that political and economic challenges must be addressed together, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, describing the two areas as interconnected foundations for the country’s transformation.
In an interview with Amhara Media Corporation (AMC), the Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s reform process was not designed as a single intervention, but as a broader effort shaped through dialogue, consultations, and an assessment of the country’s challenges and potential.
He said following the launch of the reform agenda in 2018, extensive discussions were held within government institutions and later with experts, political actors, and communities across the country to identify a shared direction for nation building.
The consultations, he noted, focused on understanding Ethiopia’s development potential, exploring areas where cooperation could be strengthened, and identifying the conditions required for collective progress.
Prime Minister Abiy said the public discussions held in different parts of Ethiopia helped the government better understand citizens’ aspirations and concerns.
He said the engagements, including those conducted in the Amhara Region, showed that Ethiopians share common aspirations for peace, development, justice, and national advancement.
The Prime Minister said the consultation process also brought to the forefront major political and economic fractures that needed to be addressed as part of the reform journey.
He explained that the challenges facing the country could not be solved by focusing on only one area, stressing that political and economic transformation must move forward together.
According to Prime Minister Abiy, opening only the political space or only the economy would not create lasting change. Instead, he said sustainable progress requires a combined approach that expands participation, strengthens economic opportunities, and builds a shared national purpose.
He said the ideas generated through the consultations contributed to shaping a framework aimed at repairing political and economic gaps while creating a stronger foundation for Ethiopia’s future.
Prime Minister Abiy added that the country’s path toward prosperity requires collective effort and a coordinated approach, saying Ethiopia’s long-term stability depends on advancing reforms through cooperation and shared responsibility.