Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party Urges African Political Leaders to Move Beyond Zero-Sum Politics

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has urged political leaders across Africa to abandon zero-sum approaches and embrace inclusive polits as a foundation for peace and prosperity on the continent.

Vice President of the Prosperity Party and Head of the Coordination Center for Democracy Building, Adem Farah, delivered the address at the ongoing 2025 African Political Parties Summit, which runs from August 12 to 14 under the theme “From Politics to Prosperity: Strengthening Inter-Party Collaboration for Africa’s Development and Economic Transformation.”

Speaking to party leaders, civil society representatives, and international stakeholders, Adem stressed that the continent’s future depends on the choices made by its political leaders today.

“For too long, politics in many of our countries has been driven by power struggles, short-term agendas, and rivalries that drain national energy. We must move beyond zero-sum thinking, viewing political parties not as ends in themselves, but as tools for building inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful nations,” he said.

Adem highlighted Ethiopia’s political reforms grounded in the principle of Medemer—meaning “synergy”—a vision championed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party leadership to replace narrow identity politics with a unifying national agenda.

He noted that although the Prosperity Party commands a constitutional majority, it has consciously included opposition party leaders in the federal government, with four ministers and three state ministers drawn from opposition ranks, fostering national consensus and democratic consolidation.

Adem further emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment, citing that women now comprise 50% of the federal cabinet, while youth hold 49% of leadership roles throughout the country’s administrative levels.