Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has highlighted how broad-based investments in agriculture, industry and infrastructure are reshaping the economic landscape of Ethiopia’s Amhara region, while outlining future priorities to further expand development opportunities.
In a recent interview with Amhara Media Corporation (AMECO), Prime Minister Abiy said addressing the development demands of the Amhara region has been a major focus in recent years, particularly after consultations held with communities identified equitable economic participation as a key concern.
He said assessments conducted during the early period of the reform showed that the region had not benefited from development opportunities at the level it deserved, affecting not only the region but also Ethiopia’s broader development ambitions.
The Prime Minister said various measures have since been implemented to expand economic opportunities and respond to the region’s development needs through investments in productive sectors, infrastructure and social services.
In the agricultural sector, Prime Minister Abiy said annual production in the Amhara region has increased from around 90 million quintals before the reform period to more than 205 million quintals, supported by improved productivity, expanded irrigation, agricultural inputs, mechanization and other sector-wide interventions.
He said progress has also been recorded in irrigation development, including major projects such as the Megech irrigation project, which had remained incomplete for years, as well as investments in dams, water infrastructure and agricultural support systems.
The Prime Minister said the industrial sector has also witnessed significant expansion, citing the establishment of industrial parks in Bahir Dar, Debre Birhan and Arerti after the reform period, alongside the completion of the Tana Beles Sugar Factory and the operation of the Lemi Cement Factory with government support.
He added that the expansion of oil processing plants and private industries has further strengthened the region’s industrial capacity and created additional economic opportunities.
Prime Minister Abiy also pointed to tourism development as another area where the Amhara region has recorded progress, highlighting efforts to restore historic sites and develop new tourism destinations.
He cited the restoration of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches and Emperor Fasilides’ Palace, the development of the Logo Lake tourism destination, the Felege Ghion Eco Resort in Bahir Dar and the Gorgora tourism project as among initiatives aimed at enhancing the region’s tourism potential.
In infrastructure development, the Prime Minister said road coverage in the region has expanded from about 2,000 kilometers to around 4,500 kilometers, while airport infrastructure has also been improved through projects including terminal expansions in Bahir Dar and Kombolcha and the development of the Debre Markos airport.
He further highlighted improvements in access to drinking water and health services, noting that the number of general hospitals in the region has increased from five to 20, while primary hospitals grew from 43 to 87, alongside the expansion of health centers.
Prime Minister Abiy said electricity coverage in the Amhara region has also increased from around 20 percent to 40 percent, supported by the construction of substations and power transmission infrastructure.
He added that corridor development projects underway in 32 towns across the region are changing urban landscapes, creating employment opportunities and improving living conditions.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Abiy said the government will continue strengthening development efforts in the Amhara region, with priorities including expanded urbanization, improved access to basic services, enhanced agricultural productivity, industrial growth and wider economic participation.