Addis Ababa, July 18, 2026 (FMC) — Former Nigerian President and African Union Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo has credited Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s wheat self-sufficiency initiative for transforming Ethiopia’s agricultural outlook, saying the achievement presents wider possibilities for Africa’s food security and economic future.
Addressing the opening of Ethiopia’s historic National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa, Obasanjo recalled how the Russia-Ukraine war exposed Africa’s vulnerability to external food supply disruptions, particularly the continent’s dependence on wheat imports from abroad.
He said Ethiopia’s decision to pursue wheat self-sufficiency demonstrated the importance of strengthening domestic capacity and building resilience against global challenges.
“Mr. Prime Minister, three years ago or thereabout, you decided that this country will be self-sufficient in wheat,” Obasanjo said, commending the initiative and adding, “My dear brother, you achieved it.”
He noted that Ethiopia’s progress went beyond meeting domestic demand, pointing out that the country had become a wheat exporter to neighboring countries.
“Today, Ethiopia is self-sufficient in wheat production. Not only are you self-sufficient, you have become a net exporter to your neighbor,” he said.
Obasanjo said the achievement represents a major opportunity not only for Ethiopia but also for Africa’s wider food security ambitions.
“Opportunity to be the food basket of Africa. Great opportunity,” the former Nigerian leader said, emphasizing the continental significance of Ethiopia’s agricultural progress.
He placed the wheat achievement within Ethiopia’s broader national strengths, saying the country’s history, diversity, strategic position, population, diaspora and hardworking people provide important foundations for future growth.
“History is part of your strength. Diversity is part of your strength,” Obasanjo said, adding that Ethiopia’s people and resources represent key assets that can support its development trajectory.
He further highlighted economic transformation as one of the major opportunities before Ethiopia, noting that agricultural achievements demonstrate the potential for African countries to create solutions through their own capacities.
“Opportunity to join hands with other countries to uplift Africa and make Africa the continent of this century,” he said.
However, Obasanjo stressed that such opportunities can only be realized through unity, dialogue and a shared national purpose.
“But these opportunities will not be achieved unless you have the national dialogue to achieve the purpose for which it is meant to achieve,” he said.
He said the National Dialogue could help strengthen Ethiopia’s common purpose and support the country’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading nations.
“The purpose of making Ethiopia great. And making Ethiopia one of the leading countries in Africa. And indeed, one of the leading countries in the world,” Obasanjo said.
Obasanjo’s remarks placed Ethiopia’s wheat achievement within a broader African narrative — highlighting the importance of reducing dependence on external food supplies, strengthening self-reliance and building continental capacity through homegrown solutions.