Addis Ababa, September 2, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia is closing the 2018 Ethiopian calendar year with major economic gains, landmark strategic projects and advances in nation-building, Government Communication Service State Minister Kebede Desisa said.
Briefing journalists on the country’s performance over the outgoing year and the significance of the five-day Pagume observance under an overarching theme “Ethiopia’s Renewal”, Kebede said 2018 E.C. had produced tangible gains across the economy, development, governance and national institution-building, creating stronger momentum for Ethiopia’s pursuit of comprehensive prosperity.
Among the year’s defining achievements was the completion and inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) after 14 years of construction.
State Minister Kebede described the milestone as another Adwa, underscoring its significance in Ethiopia’s pursuit of development and strategic self-reliance.
The year also saw construction launched for Bishoftu International Airport, projected at an estimated $12.5 billion and envisioned as Africa’s largest aviation hub, he asserted.
According to him, foundation work was also launched for major fertilizer and nuclear power projects, further expanding the scale of Ethiopia’s strategic development agenda.
Ethiopia’s economic performance registered significant gains during the year, it was mentioned.
Kebede noted that government revenue exceeded 1.5 trillion Birr, increasing by more than 600 billion Birr, or 67 percent, from the preceding fiscal year. Export earnings reached $10.2 billion, marking a historic high.
The investment landscape also expanded, with foreign investors holding more than $4.4 billion in capital licensed and commencing operations.
More than $13.2 billion in foreign investment agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed at an investment forum, with many of the projects subsequently moving into implementation.
Agricultural productivity increased, advancing Ethiopia’s drive toward greater food self-sufficiency and strengthening the productive base of the agricultural sector. Irrigation development likewise expanded, with completed projects helping broaden the use of irrigated agriculture.
Meanwhile, Kebede stated that manufacturing output grew as new large-scale industries became operational, increasing the volume and diversity of Ethiopian products reaching international markets.
Mining, tourism, the digital economy and renewable energy also emerged as increasingly important pillars of economic expansion.
The year’s changes extended beyond production and investment. More than 100 Mesob one-stop service centers were launched nationwide to improve public services and strengthen good governance.
Several tourism destinations were developed, completed or commissioned, while urban development and rural corridor projects contributed to changes in the country’s physical and economic landscape.
Desisa also highlighted developments in nation-state building, including the successful conclusion of Ethiopia’s first-ever national dialogue and the conduct of the seventh general election, with more than 54 million voters registered.
He said the two processes contributed to strengthening democratic institutions and advancing a political culture increasingly centered on dialogue and consensus.
The economic gains were accompanied by measures aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability.
Ethiopia reduced its debt burden through restructuring, increased foreign-currency reserves, maintained a second consecutive year without direct central bank financing and worked to contain inflationary pressures amid challenging international conditions.
Against this backdrop, the Government has designated each of the five Pagume days to reflect a distinct dimension of Ethiopia’s national experience and future direction, while placing all five under the common theme “Ethiopia’s Renewal.”
State Minister Kebede added that Pagume 1 will be observed as the Day of Leap Up, focusing on increased production and productivity, stronger revenue generation, improved economic capacity, debt management, foreign-currency reserves, irrigation, manufacturing and tourism development.
Pagume 2 will be the Day of Renewal, highlighting the expanding economic base and the growing contribution of agriculture, industry, mining, tourism, the digital economy and renewable energy to national advancement.
Pagume 3, the Day of Resilience, will commemorate Ethiopia’s long history of defending its independence and sovereignty and recognize those who have safeguarded the country’s national interests. At 6 a.m. on the day, the Ethiopian flag will be raised and the national anthem sung at government and private institutions across the country and at Ethiopian diplomatic missions abroad.
Pagume 4 will be observed as the Day of Unity, emphasizing Ethiopia’s diversity as a source of strength and the importance of dialogue and consultation in managing differences.
Nationwide activities will include free medical examinations and treatment for about 150,000 citizens in need, blood donation campaigns, community solidarity activities, educational support for students and food-sharing initiatives for low-income citizens.
Pagume 5, the Day of Tomorrow, will focus on Ethiopia’s future, with particular emphasis on the digital economy, expanding digital infrastructure, information and data sovereignty, artificial intelligence, youth skills development and the digitization of government services.
Mr. Kebede said Pagume provides an important transition point for reviewing the outgoing year, assessing remaining gaps, renewing national motivation and aligning individual and collective plans with the country’s development priorities.
The five-day observance thus connects the achievements of 2018 E.C. with the priorities of 2019 E.C., presenting “Ethiopia’s Renewal” as both a reflection on the country’s accomplishments and a call to sustain the momentum through continued production, resilience, unity, innovation and forward-looking development.