Addis Ababa, July 18, 2026 (FMC) — Former Nigerian President and African Union Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo has highlighted Ethiopia’s history, diversity, strategic position, population, diaspora and hardworking people as major sources of strength and opportunity, saying the country’s future potential lies in effectively harnessing these national assets.
Addressing the opening session of Ethiopia’s historic National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa, Obasanjo said he sees significant strengths and opportunities in what Ethiopia is undertaking through the dialogue process.
Reflecting on Ethiopia’s national journey, he said the country’s history itself is a source of strength, along with its diversity, experiences of the past and its role as the diplomatic capital of Africa.
“History is part of your strength. Diversity is part of your strength. Experiences of the past is part of your strength,” Obasanjo said.
He also pointed to Ethiopia’s strategic and demographic advantages, noting that Addis Ababa’s position as the capital of Africa, the country’s population, its diaspora and the industrious nature of its people represent important assets for the nation’s future.
“Population is part of your strength. The diaspora is part of your strength. And the people of Ethiopia, industrious and hardworking people of Ethiopia, is part of your strength,” he said.
Obasanjo said these strengths should be viewed not only as historical or social assets but also as opportunities that can contribute to Ethiopia’s broader development and continental role.
He emphasized that Ethiopia’s history and population provide opportunities, while identifying economic transformation as one of the country’s most significant prospects.
According to Obasanjo, Ethiopia’s experience demonstrates how national potential can be translated into tangible achievements when opportunities are properly utilized.
He cited Ethiopia’s progress in wheat production as an example of such an opportunity, recalling that the country moved toward self-sufficiency in wheat production and became a net exporter to neighboring countries.
The former Nigerian president said such achievements point to Ethiopia’s potential to contribute more broadly to Africa’s economic advancement.
He described the possibility of Ethiopia becoming a food basket for Africa as a major opportunity, while also highlighting the country’s potential to work with other nations in advancing the continent’s development.
However, Obasanjo stressed that realizing these opportunities requires national cohesion and a shared understanding among citizens.
He said Ethiopia’s National Dialogue has an important role in strengthening the sense of community and common purpose needed to achieve the country’s aspirations.
The dialogue, he said, can help advance the purpose of making Ethiopia a stronger nation and one of Africa’s leading countries.
For Obasanjo, Ethiopia’s greatest advantages are not limited to its resources or geography, but are deeply rooted in its history, diversity and people — foundations that can shape the country’s future trajectory when united toward common goals.