Addis Ababa, December 2, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed carried out a broad range of national and international engagements throughout November, with activities spanning major development project inspections, advances in technology and innovation, and extensive diplomatic outreach. The Office of the Prime Minister said the month underscored Ethiopia’s strengthened global presence and continued progress across key national priorities.
During a visit to Gondar City in the Amhara region, the Prime Minister inspected the Megech Irrigation Development Project, which covers 870 hectares and is expected to irrigate around 17,000 hectares when completed. Construction is proceeding on schedule and is set to significantly boost agricultural productivity, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
He also inaugurated the restored Fasil Ghebbi alongside the First Lady and senior officials. The restoration works included structural repairs, improved pathways and the use of traditional materials such as cedar and wanza wood. Enhancements were also made to visitor services, including a tourist centre, restrooms, lighting and security. Key historic landmarks — including the palaces of Emperors Fasil, Yohannes I and Eyasu I — as well as bridges, baths and gates were rehabilitated. More than 40,000 square meters of landscaping was completed within a one-year restoration timeframe.
In Gorgora, the Prime Minister launched the Tananesh II Ferry, which connects Bahir Dar with the new Gorgora Eco Lodge. The ferry, with capacity for more than 180 passengers, is expected to enhance access to the lodge and strengthen tourism along Lake Tana.
In Bahir Dar City, the Prime Minister reviewed progress at the Bahir Dar International Stadium, a 52,000-seat venue undergoing upgrades to meet CAF standards. Seating installation, turf work and internal systems — including lighting — are advancing. He also inspected the construction of the Fellege Ghion Resort on the lakeshore, expected to expand tourism and create jobs. An Ethio Ferries branch office is also under construction near Lake Tana to support modernization and improve regional connectivity.
In Kemise Town, PM Abiy highlighted improvements in public infrastructure, including a newly completed 1.3-kilometer bicycle lane and pedestrian path as part of early corridor development. He also inspected the Elfora Agro Industries integrated plant, noting its contribution to the national “Bounty of the Basket” initiative and its role in advancing agricultural and agro-industrial growth.
The Prime Minister also visited the relocated Artificial Intelligence Institute, now operating from the renovated Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation compound. The Office of the Prime Minister said the facility has been transformed into an efficient and innovation-friendly environment. PM Abiy noted the rapid progress of the Institute over the past five years, citing advancements in AI solutions for health, agriculture and service delivery, as well as growing national capacity in cloud computing, data centers, data mining, robotics and immersive technologies. More than 200 innovators have so far benefited from the newly established AI Startup Center.
During its 50th regular session in November, the Council of Ministers discussed the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy and unanimously approved its implementation.
Internationally, PM Abiy’s participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit — held for the first time on African soil and hosted by South Africa — marked a major diplomatic milestone. The Office of the Prime Minister said his engagement advanced Ethiopia’s national interests and strengthened Africa’s collective voice. Ahead of the summit, the Prime Minister met with President Cyril Ramaphosa to emphasize the importance of African coordination in global forums.
At the summit, he held extensive bilateral and multilateral discussions. Talks with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva focused on global economic trends, Ethiopia’s reforms and cooperation for sustainable growth. The Prime Minister also met with African Development Bank President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah to discuss inclusive development across the continent.
He held bilateral meetings with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, India, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, the Netherlands and Italy. Discussions centred on climate action, agriculture, trade, food sovereignty, economic development and sustainable infrastructure.
PM Abiy also met with UN Secretary General António Guterres to discuss peace and security, sustainable development, climate action and Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 in 2027. Talks with European Council President António Costa reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the EU. Additional discussions were held with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe on African football development and with World Bank President Ajay Banga on development financing.
Ethiopia also deepened ties with Southeast Asia during the month, as the Prime Minister hosted Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the National Palace. Both visits included tree-planting ceremonies, palace tours and bilateral consultations. Ethiopia and Singapore signed agreements on skills development and carbon credits, while Malaysia and Ethiopia concluded cooperation agreements on tourism, health, air services and city partnerships.
Preparations for COP32 continued as Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewos was designated President-Designate. The National Steering Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, aligned on the main preparatory steps and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to an inclusive and well-coordinated process.
At the end of the month, the Prime Minister hosted General Dagvin R. M. Anderson of U.S. Africa Command for talks on regional security and areas of mutual interest, the Office of the Prime Minister added.