Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that Ethiopia’s homegrown philosophy of Medemer can serve as a guiding framework for Africa’s collective progress. Speaking at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) opened at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa today, the Premier underscored the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity for the continent.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Medemer, an Amharic term loosely translated as synergy, can serve as a guiding framework for the Pan-African agenda. By embracing its principles, a path toward a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for all Africans can be forged, Prime Minister Abiy said. Highlighting Ethiopia’s commitment to prosperity, he noted that the nation is guided by a vision of vibrant democracy, sustainable economic growth, rich cultural heritage, social progress, and environmental regeneration.
To realize this goal, the government has laid out a pragmatic roadmap rooted in Medemer, as synergy. The ideology promotes prosperity, unity, sovereignty, security, and national dignity. Reflecting on Ethiopia’s progress over the past five years, PM Abiy stated that the country has made remarkable strides despite inheriting a deeply divided society, a substantial debt burden, and various internal challenges. He acknowledged that Ethiopia has had to navigate a complex regional and international landscape but has remained resilient in its pursuit of development.
The Prime Minister outlined key achievements, including political reforms that transformed Ethiopia into an inclusive, multi-party system fostering national cohesion and reconciliation. On the economic front, he noted that Ethiopia has doubled its cultivated land, increasing crop production to nearly 700 million quintals, with wheat accounting for 40 percent of this total. As a result, Ethiopia now stands as the largest wheat producer in Africa, strengthening food security and driving rural development.
Furthermore, PM Abiy revealed that Ethiopia has reduced external debt by over 50%, doubled its GDP and GDP per capita, and tripled government revenue within five years, with an 8.1 percent growth recorded in the most recent fiscal year. The country’s major cities are evolving into dynamic and sustainable hubs, bolstered by investments in infrastructure and urban development, he pointed out.
In the education sector, Ethiopia has established 40,000 kindergartens and primary schools to enhance early childhood learning. The government has also launched a program to train five million coders to accelerate the country’s digital economy. Additionally, efforts to restore national heritage sites, develop tourist destinations, and reclaim cultural artifacts demonstrate Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving its history.
‘These accomplishments reflect the unwavering spirit and resilience of the Ethiopian people and underscore our firm commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s future,’ the Prime Minister affirmed. ‘With its focus on unity, cooperation, innovation, and shared progress, Medemer can serve as a transformative force not only for Ethiopia but for the entire African continent.’
The AU session, attended by heads of state and government, will deliberate on key continental issues, including economic integration, peace, and security. PM Abiy’s address underscored Ethiopia’s dedication to playing a leading role in Africa’s development through the principles of Medemer.