Addis Ababa, September 8, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged Ethiopians to embrace creativity, speed, and extraordinary effort to accelerate the nation’s development, emphasizing that incremental steps will not suffice to achieve the country’s aspirations.
The Prime Minister delivered the message on the occasion of Progress Day, observed under the theme “Progress for Sustainable Growth.” The day celebrates Ethiopia’s achievements over the past fiscal year while setting ambitious goals for the year ahead. It forms part of the five-day Pagumen celebrations, each highlighting themes of resilience, diversity, progress, renewal, and future aspirations.
According to the program, each day of Pagumen is observed with its own theme and activities:
Pagumen 1 – Resilience Day: “Firm Foundation for a Resilient Nation,” recognizing contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity.
Pagumen 2 – Diversity Day: “Diversity: The Beauty of Ethiopia,” reinforcing national solidarity and celebrating the country’s cultural and social mosaic.
Pagumen 3 – Progress Day: “Progress for Sustainable Growth,” celebrating achievements of the past fiscal year and setting goals for the new one.
Pagumen 4 – Renewal Day: “Sustainable Development for National Revival,” reflecting Ethiopia’s strides in reform and transformation.
Pagumen 5 – Future Day: “Making Digital Ethiopia a Reality,” highlighting the country’s digital transformation and innovation drive.
In his message, Abiy acknowledged that the burdens inherited by the nation are heavy, the road ahead is long, and public expectations are high.
He emphasized that Ethiopia cannot continue on a slow path, but must instead pursue transformative growth.
“Our only option is to hop some steps. And for this, creativity and speed are crucial,” he said, calling for citizens and institutions alike to go beyond ordinary routines and commitments.
The Prime Minister underlined that the goal is not simply to move from one stage to another, but to make a leap “from yesterday to tomorrow.”