PM Abiy Says Breaking Physical and Systemic Barriers Is Essential for Ethiopia’s Sustainable Development

Addis Ababa, November 30, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia cannot achieve sustainable development unless it dismantles the physical, institutional, systemic, and cultural barriers that continue to impede progress.

He delivered the remarks at the closing session of the Prosperity Party’s senior leadership training, stressing that overcoming long-standing obstacles is a prerequisite for equitable national growth.

The Prime Minister pointed to Addis Ababa as an example of what becomes possible when such barriers are lifted, creating an environment where “anyone with knowledge and capital who wishes to invest can do so.” He cautioned that regional states must likewise remove these constraints and open their doors to skilled professionals and financially capable investors if they are to match the capital’s pace of development.

Turning to energy, Abiy noted that Ethiopia has utilized only a small portion of its vast natural capacity, emphasizing that large-scale energy production is indispensable for driving industrialization, agricultural transformation, urban expansion, and technological advancement.

He highlighted that four of Africa’s fifteen largest dams are located in Ethiopia: Tekeze (11th), Gibe (7th), Koisha (2nd), and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which ranks first. While calling this a significant achievement, he underscored that the country remains far below its potential and must intensify efforts to reach full production capacity.

Reflecting on national resilience, the Prime Minister said Abay represents Ethiopia’s history, while “Nigat Lake” stands as the result of the country’s efforts to shape that history. He noted that repeating achievements like Nigat — one of the largest man-made lakes in Africa, created following the construction of GERD — will enable Ethiopia to build and pass on a lasting civilization.

Abiy further stated that Medemer plays a central role in strengthening Ethiopia’s foundations and securing its future. He described the philosophy as “the seed of our civilization,” a guiding principle that empowers the nation to draw lessons from its past, address its shortcomings, and prepare for what lies ahead.