
The 2nd Congress of Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party, held from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, concluded after making several key appointments and deliberating on various issues. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was re-elected as president with a substantial majority, while Temesgen Tiruneh and Adem Farah were nominated as vice presidents.
In a statement, the ruling party declared the conference a success. Leading up to this regular conference, internal pre-conference discussions took place at various levels, allowing for participatory and democratic dialogue on past achievements, challenges, and strategies for future improvement.
Participants reached a consensus on focus areas that aim to address both the missions for the coming years and the missed opportunities caused by domestic conflicts and global changes. The congress ended with a joint statement outlining key issues for future attention, emphasizing the need to build on the impressive results achieved in promoting national prosperity over the last three years.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the significance of the congress in shaping Ethiopia’s future, underscoring its democratic and inclusive nature. This commitment is essential in a nation with over 80 ethnic groups, each possessing unique historical and cultural identities. The party has demonstrated its inclusivity by engaging all segments of society, fostering strong confidence among Ethiopians. Membership in the Prosperity Party has surged to 15.7 million, reflecting robust political engagement and the party’s unifying influence.
Describing the past five years as a “take-off phase,” Abiy noted that the government has laid the groundwork for future growth, anticipating accelerated development in infrastructure, economic growth, and social cohesion. The Prosperity Party has made significant strides in political reform, focusing on peace and stability. Since its inception, the party has worked to bridge Ethiopia’s political divides, uniting various factions to promote national unity and facilitating political dialogue with opposition groups.
In terms of economic reform, the party has prioritized industrialization, investing in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. Ethiopia has attracted increased foreign investment, particularly in textiles and garment production, while modernizing its agricultural sector. The privatization of state-owned enterprises, including the telecommunications industry, aims to enhance competition and draw in foreign investment.
A landmark achievement was the peace agreement signed to resolve the Tigray conflict, showcasing the party’s diplomatic efforts and its commitment to restoring Ethiopia’s international standing. The Prosperity Party has strengthened its global alliances, positioning Ethiopia as a key player in the Horn of Africa.
In the realm of social reforms, the party has focused on improving education and healthcare, particularly in rural areas. New schools and health facilities have been established, and there has been notable progress in reducing maternal and child mortality rates. The party has also promoted women’s participation in politics and leadership roles.
Environmental sustainability remains a priority, with the Green Legacy Initiative launched in 2019 to combat deforestation and climate change through extensive tree planting efforts. Ethiopia has also invested in renewable energy, particularly through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), aimed at boosting the country’s energy capacity. The Prosperity Party has embraced digital transformation, enhancing internet connectivity and opening the telecommunications market to foreign companies like Safaricom, which has improved service delivery.
The congress was attended by representatives from around fifteen foreign political parties, who extended their best wishes. Speeches from delegates, including South Sudan’s SPLM, South Africa’s ANC, Rwanda’s RPF, and Turkey’s AK Party, emphasized Ethiopia’s vital role in regional and global politics.
Peter Lam Both, Secretary-General of South Sudan’s SPLM, commended the Prosperity Party for its national transformation efforts, particularly highlighting infrastructure developments in Addis Ababa as symbols of modernization. He noted the strong bilateral ties between South Sudan and Ethiopia, especially in education and infrastructure, and emphasized the significant cultural exchange facilitated by scholarship programs.
Noxolo Kiviet from South Africa’s ANC reflected on the shared struggles between South Africa and Ethiopia, particularly in peace and development endeavours. She also mentioned South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency, which will focus on advancing the African agenda.
Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary-General of Rwanda’s RPF, expressed gratitude for Ethiopia’s support during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, highlighting the historical bond that underscores mutual cooperation in governance and security.
Zafer Sırakaya, Deputy Chairman of Turkey’s AK Party, reinforced the growing partnership between Turkey and Ethiopia, emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development in various sectors. Similarly, Emmanuel Nchimbi, Secretary-General of Tanzania’s CCM, discussed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing global challenges.
The second congress of the Prosperity Party is seen as pivotal in shaping Ethiopia’s future. It serves as a platform for policy discussions and a transition from the “take-off phase” to accelerated economic development, national security, social inclusion, and Ethiopia’s role in regional and global affairs.
The Prosperity Party has made significant progress in Ethiopia’s political, economic, and social landscape over the past five years. Despite challenges, its focus on economic reforms, peace-building, infrastructure development, and international diplomacy positions Ethiopia for growth and regional influence. The decisions made at this congress will have lasting implications for the country’s future, as the party’s inclusive vision and commitment to sustainable development continue to shape Ethiopia’s trajectory on the global stage.
Additionally, the Communist Party of China (CPC) extended congratulations to the Prosperity Party, emphasizing the importance of their friendly relations and expressing readiness to enhance cooperation.
The Communist Party of China attaches great importance to its friendly relations with the Prosperity Party of Ethiopia, it said in its congratulatory message.
“CPC stands ready to work with the Prosperity Party to give broad meaning to the exchanges between our two parties and support each other in following the development path compatible with our respective national conditions, thus contributing to the deepening of China-Ethiopia comprehensive and strategic cooperation and to the well-being of our two peoples,”.
About 1,600 party members participated in the three-day congress, alongside 400 invited guests without voting rights. Representatives from sister parties, local political opponents, elders, scholars, and prominent figures attended, engaging in discussions on the party’s reform journey, consolidating achievements, and addressing weaknesses.
The party has also concluded the Congress with eight position statements.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY