Green Legacy Initiative Driving Ethiopia’s Economic Recovery and Environmental Sustainability, Ministers Emphasize
Addis Ababa, June 30, 2025 (FMC) – Senior Ethiopian government officials have reaffirmed the Green Legacy Initiative’s (GLI) critical role in accelerating the country’s economic recovery and promoting long-term environmental sustainability.
During a tree-planting ceremony held on 28th June along the Addis Ababa riverbank, Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa, Peace Minister Mohammed Edris, and Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa lauded the wide-reaching impact of the initiative. The event was graced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives Tagese Chafo, regional chief administrators, city mayors, and other high-ranking officials.
Describing the initiative as both economically strategic and environmentally transformative, the ministers highlighted the GLI’s success in restoring ecosystems, improving livelihoods, and securing a sustainable future.
Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa reported that over 40 billion seedlings have been planted nationwide in the past six years through the Green Legacy Initiative. She stressed its tangible economic contributions—particularly in boosting exports. Millions of coffee seedlings planted under the program have significantly increased coffee export volumes, resulting in greater foreign exchange earnings, she noted. The export of high-value fruits like avocados has also grown, supporting national income generation and development efforts.
“The Green Legacy Initiative is making an indispensable contribution to our economic revival,” Minister Fitsum affirmed.
Peace Minister Mohammed Edris characterized the initiative as “a gift to the next generation,” emphasizing that its benefits extend beyond economics to improved environmental health and public well-being. He underscored that the initiative is laying the foundation for a more resilient and livable Ethiopia.
Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa, for his part, spotlighted the GLI’s role in revitalizing the country’s water systems, ENA reported. He cited the restoration of Lake Haramaya—once dried up—as a striking example of the initiative’s impact on both surface and groundwater regeneration. Additionally, he pointed to reductions in soil erosion and sedimentation in reservoirs, noting how these outcomes are enhancing Ethiopia’s natural resource management capabilities.
This year, Ethiopia plans to plant 7.5 billion seedlings as part of the ongoing Green Legacy campaign, further reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive development.