The Prime Minister of Ethiopia: Passion, Progress, and the Promise of a Nation.

A Leader’s Tears of Triumph

In a moment etched into Ethiopia’s collective memory, the Prime Minister stood at the edge of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) one September evening, tears of joy streaming down his face. As fireworks burst over the Blue Nile gorge and the national anthem echoed across the colossal dam, those visible tears spoke louder than words: a generational dream was now reality. This was not mere sentimentality; it was the release of a nation’s decades-long yearning to harness its own waters. For years, Ethiopians of all walks had sacrificed for this dam—schoolchildren donated their lunch money, farmers shared portions of their harvest, civil servants bought bonds—rallying together in an unprecedented display of resilience. Now, witnessing the GERD’s inauguration, the Prime Minister’s emotion symbolized the pride of a people who, by their own hands, turned a vision into concrete and steel.

The GERD is more than an infrastructure project; it is a monument to Ethiopia’s collective spirit and resilience. In the Prime Minister’s own words, this dam “embodies our collective spirit, the essence of our sacrifices, and our national pride”. Indeed, for generations Ethiopia watched the Nile’s life-giving waters flow downstream while it remained, as one commentator put it, a “quiet observer in history” . No longer. With GERD’s completion, Ethiopians see their long-cherished dream fulfilled – a dream to electrify their homes, power their industries, and assert their right to development. It is a fulfillment that brought forth tears not of sorrow, but of triumph – tears shared by millions of citizens who understood what it took to get here. In that emotional inauguration, one could read the broader narrative of Ethiopia itself: a nation that has prevailed through adversity by the strength of its unity.

GERD: A Generational Dream Realized

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, now proudly Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, stands as the crown jewel of the Prime Minister’s accomplishments. Straddling the Blue Nile near the Sudanese border, the GERD stretches 1.8 kilometers wide and towers 145 meters high. Once fully operational, its 13 turbines are expected to generate over 5,000 megawatts of electricity – boosting Ethiopia’s power output by more than double and ending chronic energy shortages. For a country where roughly half the population still lacked electricity as recently as 2023, the impact of this energy windfall is hard to overstate. Lights are now flickering on in remote villages, factories hum with newfound power, and children can study after sunset – tangible signs of a brighter future powered by Ethiopian rivers.

But the road to GERD’s completion was anything but easy. Historical context reveals just how momentous this achievement is. As far back as 1964, Emperor Haile Selassie had dreamed of damming the Blue Nile, commissioning studies to harness its immense potential . His plans were thwarted by turbulent events – coup d’états, civil war, and famine – that would derail Ethiopia’s development for decades . A generation later, in 2011, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi picked up the torch and laid the foundation stone for the GERD as part of an ambitious push to lift Ethiopia to middle-income status . Yet even then, external financing was blocked – downstream countries raised alarms and international lenders shied away . Ethiopia had to go it alone, funding the $4+ billion project through local bonds, lotteries, and contributions from citizens driven by patriotism . It became a people’s project: office workers gave portions of their salaries; the diaspora sent remittances earmarked for the dam; artists held fundraising concerts. This collective endeavor forged a powerful sense of national unity. “What other nation can claim such unity in the face of challenges?” Ethiopian flags flutter beside a new hydropower installation on the Blue Nile – the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam signifies a historic triumph of national will.an Ethiopian commentator asked, reflecting on the broad public support behind GERD.

Under the current administration, that decades-old dream has at last come to fruition. In 2025, the Prime Minister officially declared the dam complete and ready for inauguration. Speaking to Parliament, he extended an olive branch to neighboring Egypt and Sudan: “To our Neighbours downstream… the Renaissance Dam is not a threat, but a shared opportunity. The energy and development it will generate stand to uplift not just Ethiopia.” He reiterated that “prosperity for one should mean prosperity for all”, emphasizing Ethiopia’s belief in shared benefit and regional cooperation. This framing of GERD as a win-win regional asset is not just diplomatic rhetoric; it stems from a genuine vision that Africa’s nations can rise together through mutual development. Indeed, beyond providing electricity at home, GERD will enable Ethiopia to export power to neighbors, potentially earning an estimated $1 billion annually in energy sales in coming years . As the Prime Minister noted, “Ethiopia is not advancing alone; we are progressing alongside our African brothers and sisters.” GERD’s turbines humming in the highlands represent not only Ethiopia’s renaissance, but also a beacon of African self-reliance.

The symbolism of GERD has also deeply touched Ethiopians’ sense of identity and destiny. Many see it as a 21st-century echo of the Battle of Adwa, where a united Ethiopia prevailed against colonial forces. Just as Adwa came to symbolize African pride and independence, the GERD has become a modern emblem of sovereignty and technological prowess. “This dam signifies a renaissance – a revival of our historical strength,” the Prime Minister affirmed . It sends a message that Ethiopia, heir to ancient civilizations, will no longer be defined by images of drought and dependency. As one state media editorial proclaimed, “We are the descendants of Axum and Adwa… now we are also home of GERD – the beacon of Africa.” There is a palpable sense that Ethiopia has turned a page, showing the world that through unity, sacrifice, and visionary leadership, a nation long relegated to receiving aid can build a megaproject entirely on its own terms . That is why the GERD’s inauguration moved so many to tears: it was a vivid validation of Ethiopia’s agency and hope – a triumph earned by the people for the people.

Green Legacy: Reforesting a Nation

If the GERD is a feat of engineering, the Green Legacy Initiative is a feat of mass mobilization. Launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019, Green Legacy set out with a bold aim: to plant billions of trees to rejuvenate Ethiopia’s environment and fight climate change . In a country plagued by soil erosion, deforestation, and recurrent droughts, this initiative struck a chord. Over the past seven years, it has blossomed into one of the world’s most ambitious reforestation campaigns. By 2025, Ethiopia had planted over 48 billion tree seedlings nationwide – an astonishing scale of greening . In the 2025 season alone, communities planted 7.5 billion seedlings, hitting that year’s target and keeping pace toward a cumulative 54 billion by next year . These numbers, almost too large to fathom, translate into real changes on the ground: hillsides once brown and barren are turning verdant, forest cover has jumped from about 17% to 23% of the country in just a few years, and young Ethiopians have developed a new appreciation for conservation.

An emblem of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative: a map of the nation filled with flourishing greenery, symbolizing the over 48 billion trees planted since 2019 to restore the land and fight climate change.

The Green Legacy campaign has been as much about people as about trees. It turned tree-planting into a patriotic duty and a communal activity. Millions of citizens – from students and farmers to urban professionals – have taken part in yearly planting days, transforming the landscape one seedling at a time. The effort even notched a world record: on a single day in July 2019, Ethiopians planted over 350 million trees, a figure since surpassed by a remarkable 700 million seedlings planted in one day in 2025 . This mass mobilization is driven by a clear understanding, cultivated by the Prime Minister’s advocacy, that restoring the environment is critical for the country’s survival and prosperity. Deforestation and land degradation had been robbing Ethiopia of fertile soil and water security. Now, thanks to Green Legacy, forests are reclaiming lost ground – binding the soil, refilling groundwater, and moderating the climate. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that this re-greening has dramatically reduced soil erosion and even begun to rehabilitate once-barren lands for farming. In the words of an Ethiopian broadcaster, “this massive reforestation is a wonderful means of stopping the continuous erosion of the soil”.

Beyond ecological benefits, Green Legacy carries a social and economic promise. A significant share of the seedlings planted are fruit trees, which will bolster food security and nutrition once they mature. Coffee seedlings have also been planted by the billions – a nod to Ethiopia’s heritage as the birthplace of coffee and a smart investment in a key export crop. Meanwhile, the campaign has created jobs for tens of thousands of youths who grow, transport, and plant the seedlings across regions. School curricula now include climate and environmental lessons, nurturing a new generation that sees protecting nature as part of being a responsible citizen. In effect, Ethiopia is planting “a green legacy” not only in the soil but in the minds of its people and the structure of its economy. The international community has taken note of this success. Global environmental organizations have lauded Ethiopia’s reforestation drive as exemplary, highlighting it in climate forums as a model for other developing nations . At a time when the world grapples with climate change, Ethiopia – often on the frontlines of drought and flood – has shown leadership by taking action at scale, largely with its own resources and volunteers.

Speaking about the initiative’s deeper purpose, the Prime Minister often links ecological restoration with national renewal. Planting trees, in his view, is part of building a self-reliant Ethiopia where future generations can thrive. It aligns with his philosophy of “medemer” (synergy or coming together) – just as millions united to build a dam, millions unite to heal the land. There is also a poetry in how the Green Legacy Initiative complements the GERD: one secures water and energy, the other secures soil and climate. Together, they ensure that Ethiopia’s growth will be both sustainable and homegrown, rooted in respect for nature and fueled by the hands of its people.

Urban Revitalization: Reimagining Ethiopian Cities

Alongside rivers and forests, Ethiopia’s cities have also been undergoing a renaissance. The Prime Minister’s tenure has been marked by a series of urban revitalization and beautification projects that are transforming cityscapes, most visibly in the capital, Addis Ababa. Upon taking office, he launched an initiative called “Beautifying Sheger” (Sheger being a nickname for Addis) with the vision of cleaning up rivers, creating green public spaces, and celebrating the city’s cultural heritage . In just a few years, this vision has materialized in the form of new parks, revitalized streets, and vibrant communal spaces that have given Addis Ababa a fresh face.

One of the flagship projects is Unity Park, a sprawling complex in the historic imperial palace grounds at Arat Kilo. Opened in 2019 as the Prime Minister’s inaugural “Dine for Sheger” project, Unity Park turned what was once a secluded state compound into a public space featuring botanical gardens, a zoo, museums, and showcases of Ethiopia’s diverse cultures . It has since become a must-see destination for both locals and tourists, symbolizing a commitment to openness and national pride in Ethiopia’s history. Similarly, Entoto Park was created out of the eucalyptus forests on the hills overlooking Addis – now replete with walking trails, cycling paths, and recreational facilities, offering city-dwellers a breath of fresh air and panoramic views. And down in the heart of the city, Friendship Park (also known as “Sheger Park”) was established along the cleaned-up riverside, featuring fountains, playgrounds, and event spaces . These sites – Unity Park, Entoto Park, Friendship Park – are the fruits of the Prime Minister’s early call to action, funded partly by innovative public fundraisers (the “Dine for Sheger” gala dinners where businesses and donors contributed to the cause) . The result is an Addis Ababa that is greener, more inviting, and culturally rich, giving its residents new reasons to enjoy their city and its visitors' new attractions to marvel at.

Urban revitalization did not stop at parks. The government embarked on modernizing infrastructure and enhancing livability through a series of “corridor” projects in Addis Ababa’s historic quarters. Major avenues – from Piassa through Arat Kilo, and from Mexico Square to Sar Bet – were upgraded with widened sidewalks, landscaping, and better lighting . New public amenities including parking garages, modern public restrooms, and pedestrian plazas were built to address long-neglected needs . Even busy intersections now host greenery and public art where once there was only congestion. These efforts have not only eased traffic and improved safety but have aesthetically uplifted the city, evoking comparisons to other global capitals. The Prime Minister personally inaugurated several of these completed corridors, hailing them as proof that Ethiopia can achieve world-class urban design. “Our capacity is growing stronger. We will continue beautifying our cities,” he affirmed, urging citizens to take pride and ownership in keeping their cities clean and green . Importantly, he credited the collaboration of local government and private sector partners in realizing these projects, reflecting his ethos of shared responsibility in development.

Crucially, the urban renewal push has extended beyond Addis Ababa. Through the “Dine for Nation” program – a successor to Dine for Sheger – the government has funneled attention to other potential tourism and heritage sites across Ethiopia . Projects are underway to develop waterfront resorts at Gorgora on Lake Tana, eco-tourism at the crater lakes of Wonchi, and a cultural park in Koysha near the Omo Valley . These projects aim to boost local economies and showcase Ethiopia’s natural beauty, much as the Addis parks have done for the capital. The Prime Minister’s underlying strategy is evident: revitalize urban centers and attractions to foster national pride, improve quality of life, and spur tourism revenue. Early signs show success – Addis Ababa’s new parks and corridors have quickly become beloved by residents, and international travelers are beginning to include Ethiopia’s transformed capital on their itineraries. The urban initiatives, like the dam and the forests, tie back to a broader theme of the administration: modernizing Ethiopia while celebrating its heritage and environment. In the process, the Prime Minister has cultivated an image not just as a political leader, but as a city-builder and a gardener of national renewal – literally planting seeds and laying stones for a future Ethiopia that is greener, more beautiful, and brimming with civic pride.

A Digital Leap Forward: Innovation and Inclusion

In parallel with physical infrastructure, Ethiopia has been undergoing a digital transformation championed by the Prime Minister under the banner of “Digital Ethiopia 2025.” Recognizing that technology and connectivity are the new drivers of prosperity, his administration formulated a comprehensive strategy to leapfrog Ethiopia into the digital age . This has involved policy reforms, institution-building, and tangible projects that together amount to one of the most significant overhauls of Ethiopia’s technological landscape in its history. The results are already visible: digital services have expanded rapidly, a second mobile operator has entered the market (ending the state monopoly on telecommunications), and innovations from mobile money to artificial intelligence are taking root in the economy.

One of the flagship achievements is the introduction of a national digital identification system known as “Fayda” – meaning “benefit” in Amharic. Launched in 2024 as a foundational ID platform, Fayda has quickly enrolled over 15 million Ethiopians within its first year, with a target to cover 90 million residents by 2027 . The Prime Minister touts Fayda as “a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s digital transformation strategy”, crucial for enabling e-commerce, e-government, and financial inclusion . In May 2025, hosting the ID4Africa summit in Addis Ababa, he highlighted how digital ID is “no longer optional but essential infrastructure” – a key to promoting inclusion and integrity in everything from banking to voting . Indeed, the impact of Fayda is already being felt: it has been integrated with dozens of services, leading to a 60% reduction in service delivery times for citizens and boosting the reach of banking and social welfare programs . By assigning citizens a secure, verifiable identity – often for the first time in their lives – the government is empowering people to access opportunities and rights that were previously out of reach. Women, rural villagers, and displaced persons are among those benefitting, as Fayda deliberately focuses on inclusivity regardless of one’s location or socio-economic status.

The digital push extends far beyond ID cards. Guided by the Digital Ethiopia 2025 roadmap, the government has undertaken sweeping measures to build a digital economy. Legal frameworks have been updated to accommodate electronic transactions and cybersecurity . Institutions have been established, such as an Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute and tech hubs, to drive innovation . Telecommunications infrastructure has expanded: new fiber-optic networks and 4G/5G services are being rolled out to improve connectivity nationwide . In a symbolic break from the past, Ethiopia awarded a license to a private telecom operator in 2021, introducing competition to a sector long stagnant – since then, mobile data prices have fallen and subscriber numbers surged, connecting millions more Ethiopians. The government also launched mobile money services (like Telebirr and shortly, M-Pesa), bringing modern financial services to the fingertips of people even in remote areas. These moves are paying off economically: by 2025, digital transactions in Ethiopia had skyrocketed to 12.5 trillion Birr (about $93 billion) in value, a volume unimaginable just a few years prior . The Prime Minister credited the widespread uptake of digital payments and e-commerce to the enabling environment created by platforms like the digital ID .

Crucially, the Prime Minister frames digital transformation as part of his broader vision of prosperity and good governance. In his addresses, he draws a direct line between going digital and fighting corruption, improving public services, and unleashing entrepreneurship. For example, over 900 government services have been digitalized by 2025 (from business licensing to passport applications), reducing bureaucracy and rent-seeking opportunities . This means citizens can increasingly access services online without intermediaries – a boost to transparency and efficiency. On the economic front, the administration sees the tech sector as a new growth engine. Young software developers and startups are being supported through innovation grants and the creation of ICT parks. The aim is not only to consume technology but to produce it – nurturing homegrown apps, digital marketplaces, and even AI solutions tailored to local needs.

All these efforts boil down to a simple but powerful idea: bringing Ethiopia into the 21st-century global economy, while making sure no Ethiopian is left behind in the process. As the Prime Minister succinctly put it, “Guided by the vision of Digital Ethiopia 2025, we chose to build a modern, inclusive, foundational, and scalable digital identity system accessible to every resident, regardless of location, income, or background” . The same philosophy underpins the whole digital agenda. That Ethiopia – once associated with famine imagery – now hosts pan-African tech conferences and speaks of blockchain and digital IDs as readily as it does of dams and farms, is itself a testament to the changing narrative and the forward-looking leadership at the helm. The digital revolution underway is quietly weaving a future Ethiopia that is more connected, innovative, and ready to compete on the world stage.

Navigating Geopolitical Tides: The GERD and Beyond

Ethiopia’s rapid strides in development have not occurred in a geopolitical vacuum. In fact, the GERD stands at the center of one of Ethiopia’s greatest diplomatic challenges: managing relations with downstream neighbors Egypt and Sudan, who depend on the Nile’s waters. Ever since construction began in 2011, the dam has been a point of contention, sparking intense negotiations and international mediation. The Prime Minister inherited this thorny file when he came to power, and his approach has been a careful balance of firmness on Ethiopia’s rights and openness to dialogue.

From the Ethiopian perspective, GERD is a sovereign project on its own river, a fair utilization of a resource of which it contributes the lion’s share (about 85% of Nile waters originate in Ethiopia’s highlands). But Egypt, which relies on the Nile for 97% of its freshwater and recalls colonial-era treaties allotting it the majority of Nile flow, has viewed GERD as an “existential threat”. Sudan’s position has been more ambivalent: at times seeing benefits in regulated flows and cheap power but also fearing impacts on its own dams. Both countries pressed for a legally binding agreement on how Ethiopia fills and operates the dam’s huge reservoir. Under the previous U.S. administration, talks became fraught – with even a threat of military action by Egypt’s leadership hanging in the air at one point. Amid this, Abiy Ahmed consistently projected calm and willingness to negotiate, while unwavering that Ethiopia would complete the dam and start filling it on its own timetable.

In practice, Ethiopia did proceed to fill the GERD’s reservoir in stages (reaching a fourth and final filling by 2023), all the while inviting Sudan and Egypt back to the table. African Union (AU) mediation was embraced by the Prime Minister as the proper forum – reflecting his broader belief in African solutions to African problems. Yet, as of the dam’s inauguration in 2025, a comprehensive trilateral agreement remained elusive. Egypt and Sudan boycotted the GERD’s opening ceremony; shortly before, they issued a joint statement condemning Ethiopia’s “unilateral” actions and calling the dam a “continuous threat to stability” in the region . Their concerns focus on water security – the fear that Ethiopia could withhold or release Nile waters at will, impacting Sudanese agriculture or Egyptian water supply. These tensions have, at times, spurred diplomatic sparring at the United Nations Security Council and among Arab and African blocs.

The Prime Minister, for his part, has sought to de-escalate rhetoric and highlight the dam’s mutual benefits. In numerous speeches, he has reassured that Ethiopia harbors no ill intent, stressing that GERD’s primary purpose is to generate electricity and that the flow of water to Sudan and Egypt will ultimately be more predictable, not less . “The dam will not come at the expense of our neighbors,” he told Parliament, emphasizing that Ethiopia believes in “shared progress, shared energy, and shared water” . This notion is backed by many experts: a controlled reservoir upstream can actually regulate the annual floods that ravage Sudan and hold back water during drought years, smoothing out extremes. In fact, Sudanese officials have acknowledged that since Ethiopia began partial filling, flooding and siltation issues at Sudan’s own Roseires Dam have improved . Such technical arguments however often take a backseat to nationalist politics, especially in Egypt, where the Nile is tied to identity and survival. Knowing this, the Ethiopian administration has trodden carefully – celebrating its achievement domestically while extending diplomatic olive branches externally. Notably, even some of the Prime Minister’s critics in exile have lauded the GERD as a “national triumph,” setting aside politics to applaud what it means for Ethiopia’s pride.

Beyond the Nile dispute, Ethiopia faces other foreign policy puzzles, and the Prime Minister has engaged these with a mix of pragmatism and assertiveness. Securing access to a seaport is one such pressing issue. As a landlocked nation since Eritrea’s secession in 1993, Ethiopia depends on neighbors (primarily Djibouti) for sea trade, which has grown increasingly costly with Ethiopia’s booming import-export needs. Abiy’s government has been actively pursuing port agreements – from seeking stakes in Somaliland’s Berbera port to talks with Sudan and Kenya – framing it, as he did in a June 2025 meeting with opposition parties, as “a matter of national survival” that must be solved peacefully and cooperatively . He has called for unity on this issue at home, stressing that Ethiopia’s economic future and regional stability are intertwined . Likewise, in the Horn of Africa’s turbulent regional politics – including the recent conflict in neighboring Sudan and the ever-tense relations with Eritrea – Abiy has tried to position Ethiopia as a peacemaker. He leveraged the goodwill from his 2019 Nobel Peace Prize (awarded for initiating peace with Eritrea) to mediate conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan and champion the Horn’s integration through bodies like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

It hasn’t been smooth sailing; there have been missteps and criticisms. Some observers felt Ethiopia’s diplomatic outreach lagged during the heat of GERD tensions, allowing rivals to control the narrative internationally. Others point out that the war in northern Ethiopia (discussed below) strained relations with Western allies and even some African partners. Still, under Abiy’s leadership, Ethiopia has staunchly defended its core interests while largely avoiding outright conflict with other nations. The GERD saga, if anything, has showcased Ethiopia’s resolve to assert its right to develop, a stance widely supported by Ethiopians across political lines, even as it walks the fine line of avoiding a water war. The Prime Minister’s ability to inaugurate the dam amid flags fluttering and regional presidents cheering (notably, Kenya’s and Somalia’s leaders attended the GERD ceremony) , without having succumbed to external pressure, speaks to a certain diplomatic fortitude. And by continuing to call for dialogue and mutual growth – “a leap into the future” for the region, as one GERD inauguration display read – he keeps open the hope that geopolitical rivalries can be transformed into opportunities for cooperation. Whether that vision materializes will be a test for the years ahead, but for now, Ethiopia has charted its course with confidence on the international stage, determined that its Renaissance will not be denied.

Balancing Power and Democracy: Opposition, Critique, and National Unity

No portrait of the Prime Minister’s tenure would be complete without examining the domestic political landscape – one marked by both hopeful reforms and harsh challenges. When Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018, he was celebrated for opening up a tightly controlled political space: he lifted a state of emergency, freed thousands of political prisoners, unbanned opposition groups, and invited exiles home. These bold moves earned him admiration and raised high expectations for a democratic transition in Ethiopia, which had known nearly three decades of one-party dominance. However, as Abiy himself has noted, “democracy is inherently messy – it’s not a smooth, easy path” . In the years since, Ethiopia’s journey toward pluralism has seen setbacks, conflicts, and the resurgence of old fractures that have tested the Prime Minister’s commitment to inclusive politics.

The most severe test came with the outbreak of the Tigray conflict in late 2020, when a bitter political dispute with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – the party that had ruled Ethiopia for decades in the prior regime – escalated into a full-scale war. This tragic civil war, which lasted two years, inflicted massive humanitarian and economic damage on the country. By some estimates, the combined toll of the Tigray war and other internal conflicts could make Ethiopia’s economy 19% smaller by 2027 than it would have been without the conflicts, with cumulative losses of around $125 billion . The fighting killed and displaced hundreds of thousands of people and undid considerable progress in Ethiopia’s development – from wrecking northern infrastructure and industries to diverting national budget and attention away from projects like schools, roads, and indeed the GERD. An Oxford analysis bluntly stated that “Abiy’s ambitions for poverty reduction, a modern economy, and middle income status are no doubt undermined” by the war’s fallout . The conflict also sullied the government’s international standing, bringing allegations of human rights abuses that strained relationships with Western partners and tarnished the reformist image of the Nobel laureate Prime Minister.

How does one reconcile these painful events with the celebratory narrative of national projects? The answer lies in acknowledging the lessons learned and the importance of constructive political engagement. The war in Tigray, at its core, was the result of a breakdown in dialogue – a worst-case scenario of political opposition turning into armed rebellion and government force meeting force. In hindsight, many Ethiopians lament that this was a devastating example of “unproductive resistance” that ended up undermining the very progress the country needed. While blame can be assigned on all sides, the takeaway for the future is clear: internal conflicts exact too high a price on Ethiopia’s social fabric and development trajectory . As peace slowly takes hold after a 2022 ceasefire, the Prime Minister has often reflected publicly on the need to close ranks as Ethiopians and resolve differences through dialogue, not violence. “The conflicts disrupted aspirations and initiatives for inclusive, comprehensive processes to discuss contested issues… Steps to drive constructive debate and reconcile opposing views will be required for longer term stability,” notes a report on Ethiopia’s post-war recovery . It’s a sober reminder that nation-building cannot happen amid civil strife – cooperation and compromise internally are as vital as grand projects and visionary plans.

In this light, Abiy’s government has renewed efforts to reach out to political opponents in peaceful ways. A National Dialogue Commission was established in 2022, mandated with bringing together diverse voices to address fundamental questions of Ethiopian identity, federalism, and historical grievances. Though skeptics question its inclusivity, the Prime Minister has endorsed the process as a vehicle for healing and consensus. In mid-2025, he convened a consultative meeting with dozens of opposition party leaders – an unprecedented gathering in Ethiopia’s recent history – urging them to “balance competition with cooperation” in the national interest . He stressed that while multiparty competition is the bedrock of democracy, rivals must also find common ground on key issues and not view politics as a zero-sum fight . Notably, he acknowledged that his own ruling party seeks electoral victory through its programs, but values a diverse and inclusive parliament as healthier for the country . Indeed, he pointed out that over 270 opposition members currently serve at various levels of government, evidence that the administration is willing to share power and incorporate different viewpoints . To further encourage good-faith participation, he called on all parties to join the ongoing national dialogue and assured that dissenting views would be heard and addressed through legal mechanisms . Such rhetoric marks a return to the conciliatory tone that characterized Abiy’s early days in office.

The Prime Minister has also been candid about the give-and-take of political life. In an interview, he reflected on how some groups oscillate between supporting and opposing the government, noting that this vacillation can be healthy if it’s in service of principle rather than opportunism. “The tendency to sometimes support and sometimes oppose is actually a sign of healthy political culture—when kept in proper balance. Politics shouldn’t demand constant allegiance nor perpetual opposition,” he observed . In other words, constructive opposition – which offers alternative ideas and keeps the government accountable – is not only welcome but necessary. What he decries is destructive opposition: those who would, for example, root for the failure of initiatives like GERD or the National ID simply to spite the ruling party, or worse, take up arms. Unfortunately, Ethiopia has seen both types of opposition in recent years. Moving forward, the hope is to channel all political energy into peaceful competition and debate, where disagreements are settled at the ballot box or negotiating table, not the battlefield.

At the same time, criticisms of the government cannot be glossed over. Detractors argue that promises of dialogue have sometimes rung hollow, pointing to arrests of journalists and opposition figures especially during the war period, or the postponed 2020 elections (held in 2021) which the ruling party won overwhelmingly amid an opposition boycott in some regions. The National Dialogue has been criticized by some major opposition factions (e.g. Tigrayan and Oromo groups) as not fully inclusive. The Prime Minister’s challenge will be to convince these skeptics that the dialogue is indeed genuine and not a mere window dressing. He must also show by example that constructive criticism is valued – for instance, by acting on recommendations from the dialogue or allowing more media freedom. In speeches, Abiy has insisted that “we haven’t become intoxicated by praise, nor have we been broken by curses”, emphasizing that his government remains focused on its goals regardless of external acclaim or criticism . Yet to deepen Ethiopia’s nascent democracy, it will take more than resilience; it will require institutionalizing the checks and balances, rule of law, and civic freedoms that permit healthy opposition to thrive.

What is heartening is that amidst polarization, Ethiopians across the spectrum still find unity in certain aspirations – the GERD being a prime example. The dam’s success has been cheered even by some of the Prime Minister’s fiercest critics, because it transcends party lines and touches national pride . Similarly, the Green Legacy campaign saw people of varied political stripes planting trees side by side. These shared endeavours suggest that Ethiopia’s future rests on emphasizing common goals and dialogue, rather than zero-sum factionalism. As the Prime Minister often invokes, Ethiopia is a country of many ethnicities and histories, but with a single destiny – what he calls “Ethiopianness… a common fate… where the interests of family, community, and nation find alignment” . This ethos of unity in diversity underpins the call for cooperation. It means acknowledging past injustices yet not being trapped by them; it means building an inclusive economy that gives all communities a stake in the country’s wealth; it means crafting a political culture where leadership changes or policy disagreements happen without tearing the national fabric.

The Prime Minister’s administration, having weathered both highs (a Nobel Peace Prize, unprecedented development projects) and lows (a brutal civil war, economic hardships), now stands at a crossroads. The coming years will show whether Ethiopia can solidify peace internally and resume a democratic transition, or risk a relapse into division. Abiy Ahmed’s stance is that only by working together – government and opposition, center and regions, elite and grassroots – can Ethiopia fulfill its vast potential. In June 2025 he reminded political rivals that “while disagreements exist, working together remains essential for Ethiopia’s progress” . That sentiment must carry forward. Constructive criticism will refine policies and address the grievances of marginalized groups, while inclusive dialogue can forge consensus on contentious issues like regional autonomy or resource-sharing. The message is clear: Ethiopia’s success is a shared responsibility.

A Future Forged in Unity and Vision

From the banks of the Nile to the halls of new tech hubs, from the lush nurseries of Green Legacy to the bustling streets of revitalized Addis, Ethiopia’s story under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been one of striking contrasts and bold transformations. It is a story of a leader who in a short span galvanized monumental projects – a massive dam, a reforestation revolution, digital leapfrogging – and also steered the nation through storms of conflict and adversity. In celebrating his passion, strength, and accomplishments, one must also recognize the complexities he and Ethiopia have confronted. The narrative that emerges is neither hagiography nor cautionary tale, but something more profound: a testament to the power of a shared national dream and the imperative of collective effort to achieve it.

The image of the Prime Minister’s tearful pride at the GERD inauguration remains a powerful encapsulation of that idea. Those tears were not just for the successful completion of a dam; they were for the millions of Ethiopian heroes, past and present, who each laid a brick or planted a seed toward a better tomorrow. They were for the patriots of yesteryear – emperors who envisioned modern Ethiopia and engineers who gave their lives on projects – as much as for the youth of today who will inherit the fruits. They were, above all, for Ethiopia itself, a nation that has proven time and again that it can rise from challenges and surprise the world. The GERD, the green forests, the digital surge – these are outward symbols of an inner renaissance, one fueled by Ethiopians’ own resilience and unity.

As scholars, policymakers, and diaspora observers consider Ethiopia’s trajectory, it is clear that the country stands at an inflection point. The foundational investments have been laid down: energy, environment, technology, infrastructure – these provide a strong platform for development. The task now is to build inclusive prosperity atop that foundation. That means ensuring the electricity from GERD powers rural villages and industrial parks alike; it means converting the billions of trees into sustainable agro-forestry livelihoods and climate resilience; it means turning digital IDs and mobile networks into e-commerce, telemedicine, and e-learning revolutions that uplift the poor; it means maintaining the parks and public spaces as zones of harmony and tourism revenue for cities. The blueprints are there, and so is the popular support.

The greatest determinant of success, however, will be social cohesion and good governance. Ethiopia’s diverse peoples must see themselves as stakeholders in a common future – one where no group feels left behind or overrun. This calls for deft political leadership that can accommodate diversity while uniting everyone around core national objectives. The Prime Minister often invokes Ethiopia’s history of coming together in moments of existential threat, whether against colonialism or famine. Today’s threats – poverty, climate change, regional instability – are no less daunting, but they are conquerable if approached with the same spirit of unity. Indeed, if the GERD taught us anything, it’s that when Ethiopians synchronize their strength and resources, “there is no star they can’t reach,” to paraphrase the Prime Minister’s sentiment during a victory speech.

Critics will rightly point out areas where the government can do better: more transparency, more respect for human rights, faster post-conflict reconciliation. These critiques are part of the democratic fabric the Prime Minister says he wants to foster, and embracing them will only strengthen the administration’s legitimacy. A house built on truth and inclusion can weather any storm. In this regard, it is encouraging that the government is taking steps to institutionalize dialogue (through the National Dialogue Commission) and to widen political participation (as hinted by planned electoral improvements and opposition engagement) . The true measure of Abiy Ahmed’s legacy may well rest on whether he manages to transition from the transformative reformer into the leader who consolidated a democratic, united Ethiopia at peace with itself.

For the Ethiopian diaspora and international partners reading this, the takeaways are equally clear. Ethiopia’s trajectory will be determined not just by its leader, but by the collective actions of its people – including those abroad who contribute knowledge, investment, and advocacy. The accomplishments so far show what is possible when a clear vision meets popular will. The challenges faced show that no country is immune to setbacks and that state-building is a delicate, ongoing endeavor. Ethiopia’s journey invites continued support and respectful engagement from the global community, especially in ways that reinforce its sovereignty, stability, and inclusive development. The GERD, for instance, could be a platform for regional integration – sharing power, coordinating water usage, spurring joint infrastructure – if approached with goodwill by all sides. Similarly, Ethiopia’s fight against climate change through Green Legacy is a global good that merits global backing.

In my final analysis, the story of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister and his tenure so far is a reminder that bold vision must be coupled with broad consensus. Passion and strength achieved great feats; now patience and openness must cement them. As he often emphasizes, unity is not a feel-good slogan but a survival strategy for a country as diverse and as ambitious as Ethiopia. “Ethiopia’s sovereignty is no longer under threat… the country remains steadfast and indivisible,” Abiy Ahmed declared in a recent address, reaffirming his confidence in the nation’s cohesion . If the Ethiopian people can continue to stand steadfast and indivisible – rallying around common goals, engaging in respectful debate about their differences, and rejecting those who seek division for division’s sake – then the tears of joy shed at GERD’s inauguration will be just the beginning of many triumphs to come. In the years ahead, one can imagine a future feature story celebrating Ethiopia’s emergence as a regional power, powered by its own dams and brains, verdant with forests, seamlessly digital, and democratically governed. Getting there will demand perseverance and unity, but Ethiopia has shown the world that it has plenty of both.

Sources: Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corp., Fana Broadcasting, Al Jazeera, Oxford Ethiopia Recovery Initiative, Xinhua News, Time Magazine, and others as cited in text.