Haileselassie Abera, an eighth-grade student from Kechebra Woreda in the Kambata Zone of Central Ethiopia, is one of the participants in the nationwide competition the 4th National Skills Competition organized by the Ministry of Labor and Skills. This year’s theme is “Bright Minds, Skilled Citizens,” and the event runs from May 5 to 10. Over 70 innovators showcased their products in 22 categories, with Haileselassie among them.
Haileselassie presented a modern Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (IBM) that he designed and produced himself. His creation garnered significant attention at the national competition. In an interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Haileselassie explained that he developed his skills and knowledge in missile production through self-directed learning. After studying various materials on the nature, features, and manufacturing processes of IBMs, he decided to use local materials available in his area to bring his project to life. He designed and built the missile at home, without support from his school.
According to Haileselassie, he invested considerable effort to create a functional IBM, incorporating all necessary features and inputs. He faced challenges in sourcing materials but remained determined. “Before I started the practical work of manufacturing the IBM, I focused on understanding the theoretical science to grasp its nature, features, and necessary inputs,” he said. He developed expertise in missile technology, including guidance systems, GPS, radar, targeting systems, and other essential features.
Transitioning from theory to practice, Haileselassie designed and manufactured his IBM, equipped with a rocket engine. Despite living in a rural area far from the capital and facing resource limitations, he successfully produced the missile, thanks to his extensive reading of science and technology materials. “After acquiring the knowledge, I realized that finding the necessary materials was challenging, but I decided to utilize local resources to start producing the IBM, and I succeeded,” he stated.
While his initial product was created without external support, Haileselassie considers his IBM more than just a prototype. Although it awaits testing, he believes it is functional and is currently seeking authorization from the relevant authorities. “I applied for a license from local authorities to test the product, but I have yet to receive it. I am waiting for the green light to proceed,” he explained, noting that he needs electricity, ample space, and official permission to begin testing.
Haileselassie dreams of further investing his efforts in the missile field. To enhance his skills, he seeks opportunities for practical education equipped with modern laboratories and supportive technologies. He has reached this level through his own determination and is eager to deepen his knowledge. “I am looking for educational opportunities that allow me to learn theory and practice with modern technology,” he said, aspiring to become a scientist and innovative technologist. So far, only Shinshicho Construction and Industrial College has supported him by providing workshop space on campus, while he has financed the rest himself.
For Haileselassie, a nation with over 3,000 years of history deserves modern weapons to safeguard its sovereignty. He hopes to realize this national dream by establishing a local company to manufacture ballistic missiles. He believes that Ethiopia can achieve modernization, technological advancement, and industrial revolution if the current generation focuses on these sectors.
Another innovator, Awel Amaji, a ninth grader from Shashemene town in the Oromia Regional State, presented his luxury Lamborghini car at the 4th National Skills Competition. The 23-year-old assembled the Lamborghini himself. In an interview with EPA, Awel shared that Ethiopia’s rising petrol costs inspired his creation, which aims to provide luxury at an affordable price.
“My car travels 60 kilometers on just two liters of petrol,” Awel explained, a significant improvement compared to typical vehicles that cover only 16-20 kilometers with the same amount of fuel. By reengineering a motorcycle engine with locally sourced materials, he designed the Lamborghini to meet local demands for affordable luxury.
Awel is also working on assembling a solar and electric-powered Lamborghini to fulfill his dream of manufacturing modern luxury cars in Ethiopia. He calls for government and organizational support to achieve his eco-friendly automotive goals, inspiring a new generation of innovators at the nationwide skills competition.
At the opening ceremony of the 4th National Skills Competition and Exhibition, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh remarked that the innovative products displayed reflect the diverse talents and skills of the current generation. He emphasized that these innovations have the potential to drive Ethiopia’s development and fulfill the nation’s vision for prosperity.
According to DPM Temesgen, the current Ethiopian generation is capable of becoming a model for Africa by shaping the country’s future through skill and innovation. “We Ethiopians are entrusted with the moral virtue of being a model for Africa. A nation’s economic destiny depends not on its natural reserves, but on its ability to harness and develop its human resources,” he stated, highlighting the competition’s role in cultivating talents and recruiting the nation’s brightest innovators.
To make Ethiopia a beacon of prosperity, Temesgen urged the current generation to combat poverty and protect the nation’s sovereignty. He noted the importance of honoring the sacrifices of Ethiopia’s forefathers while addressing poverty and backwardness to ensure comprehensive sovereignty and prosperity, where skills, creativity, and innovation can drive development.
Minister of Labor and Skills, Muferiat Kamil, emphasized that focusing on local innovation and technological development is crucial for realizing Ethiopia’s growth and prosperity. She stated that a nation’s transformation can only be achieved with bright minds and skilled hands, underscoring the competition’s role in developing skills, technology, and practical problem-solving research. More than 70 local innovations and technologies were showcased at the national event from across Ethiopia.
Muferiat assured that the Ministry of Labor and Skills would enhance its support and provide training to cultivate and develop these talents, stating, “We will continue working to nurture Ethiopia’s future engineers, innovators, scientists, and researchers.”
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 9 MAY 2025
