Addis Ababa, October 2, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has pledged that the Ethiopian government will work tirelessly to ensure the nation reaches prosperity, emphasizing the country’s commitment to completing major projects that will transform Ethiopia’s economy and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
Speaking during the inauguration of the first phase of the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, the groundbreaking of the Gode Oil Refinery, and the foundation laying of the urea fertilizer plant, PM Abiy stressed that Ethiopians must unite in diligent effort to bring the nation’s development to fruition. “We start, we work hard, we finish, and we will elevate Ethiopia in all our endeavors,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted the importance of energy self-sufficiency, highlighting the Ogaden LNG project’s 1,000-megawatt gas energy production — roughly half the capacity of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
“This energy will serve as a major input for fertilizer production and will support our goal of becoming self-sufficient in food,” he said.
PM Abiy also announced plans to convert approximately 2,000 buses in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas to gas-powered vehicles this year, which is expected to reduce transportation costs by at least 50 percent. Heavy vehicles running on gas can travel up to 1,500 kilometers per fill, and the import of heavy vehicles that use gas is now prohibited in Ethiopia. Investors importing such vehicles will receive full support, including tax-free incentives.
Reflecting on Ethiopia’s industrial history, PM Abiy recalled that in the 1960s, the country built an oil refinery at the port of Assab, which was later expanded, but was ultimately abandoned after the loss of the port. “This is a matter of concern for patriotic Ethiopians,” he said.
“We must not dwell on past losses with bitterness, but instead act decisively. Today, we launch a 3.5 million-ton refinery — four times larger than what we lost in the past — as a sign of our determination.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the projects launched in the Somali Region — valued at nearly $10 billion — are not small-scale initiatives but strategic interventions to address Ethiopia’s long-term development challenges.
He called on all Ethiopians to work together, leave complacency behind, and build a better country for future generations.
“Our dream is far, but our hope is achievable. Food sovereignty, soil development, and resource utilization in the Somali Region will benefit both the region and East Africa as a whole,” he said.
PM Abiy further stressed accountability, hard work, and resilience. “We need those who criticize and lie; they lie, we work. They talk, we act. We will not rest until every Ethiopian reaches the level of prosperity and development they deserve,” he affirmed.
He called for unity in harnessing Ethiopia’s resources and infrastructure, ensuring that the fruits of national development are gathered rather than scattered.