Prime Minister Abiy: Ethiopia Is Forging True Sovereignty by Breaking Economic Dependency

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia is advancing toward genuine national sovereignty through a historic economic transformation that is reducing dependency, expanding domestic production and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

Today marks Pagume 1, designated as the Day of Breakthrough, the first of five themed days through which Ethiopia is using the final days of the outgoing 2018 Ethiopian calendar year to reflect on national achievements, reaffirm its progress and build momentum for the year ahead. The observance provides the backdrop for the Prime Minister’s message highlighting economic self-reliance, production and reform as foundations of Ethiopia’s sovereignty.

Marking Pagume 1, the Day of Breakthrough, Abiy said Ethiopia’s progress from dependence on imported wheat to becoming one of Africa’s leading wheat producers has saved millions of dollars and demonstrated the gains of building national productive capacity.

He said initiatives including Bounty of the Basket (YeLemat Trufat) and Made in Ethiopia are strengthening food security, expanding domestic industries and creating jobs, forming part of a broader drive to build a more self-reliant economy.

Abiy also highlighted the government’s macroeconomic reforms, saying decisive measures once considered too difficult or untouchable are now being implemented to establish the economy on a stronger foundation.

He linked the country’s current transformation to the sacrifices of previous generations, saying Ethiopians who defended the country’s borders with their lives left behind a sovereign nation whose independence must now be secured through economic strength and reduced dependency.

The Prime Minister said the progress achieved demonstrates Ethiopia’s resilience in confronting both internal and external challenges, expressing confidence and hope for the country’s trajectory in the coming year.