Addis Ababa, March 25, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stressed that Ethiopia’s development must be intentionally built with children and future generations in mind, warning that a nation developed only for the present cannot sustain long-term progress.
Speaking to.local TV station Kana TV, the Prime Minister framed Ethiopia as a country with unique global significance. He highlighted its indigenous alphabet, status as the birthplace of humanity, and origin of staple crops such as coffee and teff, emphasizing that these cultural and natural endowments position Ethiopians to contribute meaningfully to global innovation and development.
Pointing to the nation’s demographic strength, PM Abiy noted that Ethiopia has the second-largest population in Africa and the tenth-largest worldwide. He described this population not merely as a statistic, but as a reservoir of talent and creativity that, if nurtured through education, skill development, and opportunity, can propel the country into long-term prosperity.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to Ethiopia’s role as a refuge for displaced populations. Hosting over 1.3 million refugees, including more than 400,000 Eritreans, he argued, reflects Ethiopia’s enduring tradition of inclusivity and strengthens the nation’s social fabric while expanding its human resource base.
Looking forward, PM Abiy outlined a series of strategic projects aimed at building Ethiopia for the next generations. These include large-scale dams, fertilizer factories, oil and gas ventures, urban modernization initiatives, and revitalization of the agricultural sector. He emphasized that such projects are not only intended to generate immediate economic growth but to establish infrastructure, opportunities, and systems that will benefit children and future citizens for decades to come.
Acknowledging challenges ahead, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of vision, planning, and collaboration to overcome obstacles that may impede progress. He expressed confidence that, by strategically investing today, Ethiopia could emerge within 10 to 20 years as a leading African nation, laying the groundwork for a century of prosperity.
Underpinning these efforts, he said, is the Medemer (Synergy) approach, which prioritizes inclusivity, equitable access to resources, and the development of human capital, ensuring that today’s decisions create a nation where children inherit opportunity, stability, and growth.