Addis Ababa, January 2, 2026 (FMC) – In December 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led a series of high-level national and international engagements that advanced Ethiopia’s development agenda while reinforcing its growing regional and global influence, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.
A key highlight of the month was the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During their meetings, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen strategic cooperation across trade, investment, digitization, and tourism.
The visit, the PM Office noted, resulted in several landmark agreements, including mutual administrative assistance in customs, the establishment of a Data Centre within Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a memorandum on UN Peacekeeping Cooperation.
The PM Office also reminded that Prime Ministers Abiy and Modi also addressed a joint session of Ethiopia’s Parliament, underscoring the increasing significance of Ethiopia-India relations in both bilateral and multilateral contexts.
On the continental front, Prime Minister Abiy engaged with African and regional partners. He met with Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to discuss collaborative efforts for COP32 in 2027, emphasizing Africa-led solutions and regional leadership.
Regionally, he hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Kenyan President William Ruto for working visits, holding discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, promoting regional peace, and advancing sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.
Domestically, Prime Minister Abiy officially launched Digital Ethiopia 2030, building on the successes of Digital Ethiopia 2025. The strategy aims to expand digital access, ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, and strengthen trust between the public and government institutions.
Under this initiative, Ethiopia plans to increase mobile subscribers, expand 5G coverage to 100 towns, scale digital payments, modernize trade systems, and develop a robust artificial intelligence ecosystem alongside resilient cybersecurity infrastructure.
The Prime Minister emphasized that electricity and internet connectivity are critical enablers, committing to extend both nationwide to support inclusive, people-centered digital growth. He noted that Digital Ethiopia 2030 aligns with the Medemer State vision, which focuses on efficient, streamlined, and citizen-focused governance.
In addition, Prime Minister Abiy presided over the 20th Nations and Nationalities Day celebrations in Hosanna, using the platform to reinforce national unity. Addressing citizens, he highlighted Ethiopia’s potential alongside its challenges, stating: “A single thread is fragile, but many threads woven together form an unbreakable rope.”
He also announced that Jimma will host next year’s celebrations, calling for continued cooperation, solidarity, and the safeguarding of national interests.
Throughout December, Prime Minister Abiy’s leadership highlighted Ethiopia’s dual focus on modernization at home and strategic diplomacy abroad. By advancing digital inclusion, fostering regional partnerships, and deepening international cooperation, Ethiopia strengthened its national development trajectory while elevating its regional and global standing, the Prime Minister’s Office said.