PM Abiy Ahmed Urges Africa to Turn Vision into Action for Development, Stability and Global Influence

Addis Ababa, February 14, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African nations to translate vision into action and strengthen continental development, stability, and global influence in his remarks at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, being held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The summit is taking place under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

The opening session was attended by African leaders, senior officials, and international delegates, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s leadership in driving economic growth, technological innovation, climate action, and sustainable development.

Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s projected 10.2 percent GDP growth and the country’s long-term plan to transition from a low-income to a globally competitive economy over the next 25 years, anchored in industrialization, productivity, and quality job creation.

He stressed the importance of human capital development, including investments in maternal and child health, early childhood education, and school feeding programs, to harness Africa’s demographic dividend.

Water and energy were central themes in the Prime Minister’s address. He pointed to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as a model for responsible water management and regional cooperation, noting that Africa’s rivers can drive stability and shared prosperity when managed collectively.

Abiy also showcased Ethiopia’s climate and environmental initiatives, including the Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted more than 48 billion trees, and urban riverside renewal projects in Addis Ababa, underscoring the country’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable urban transformation.

Technological innovation and connectivity were further highlighted as tools for continental development. Under Digital Ethiopia 2030, the country is advancing digital infrastructure, national digital IDs, an AI Institute, and an upcoming AI University, while Ethiopian Airlines, EthioTelecom, and the construction of Africa’s largest airport are connecting people, goods, and markets across the continent.

The Prime Minister framed Ethiopia’s efforts as part of a broader vision for Africa, stressing functional sovereignty, continental unity, and global engagement. “Every river we manage, every city we design, and every digital platform we deploy must generate resilience, opportunity, and dignity,” he said, emphasizing the continent’s responsibility to shape its own development agenda.

Abiy concluded by acknowledging the outgoing AU Chairperson, Joe Lorenzo, and congratulating the incoming chairperson, wishing them success in guiding the Union forward.

The AU Summit, running from February 14-15, will also address the operationalization of Agenda 2063, peace and security issues, and the African Standby Force, among other strategic continental priorities.