Bold leadership driving Ethiopia’s path to prosperity: Premier

ADDIS ABABA – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has underscored that bold decision-making, persistent leadership, and hands-on oversight are the cornerstones of Ethiopia’s ongoing transformation and long-term prosperity.

In a wide-ranging interview aired on ETV, the Premier reflected on Ethiopia’s reform journey, asserting that his administration was confronted with a critical choice during the country’s most fragile moment: to make tough, potentially unpopular decisions or risk the collapse of the state.

“Decisions don’t always get the expected applause,” he admitted. “But leadership is about making the hard calls ones that carry consequences and standing by them. Inaction in the face of crisis is not leadership; it is surrender.”

Abiy emphasized that this spirit of proactive governance has guided Ethiopia’s recent progress. He pointed to the government’s bold move to open up the political and media landscapes unconditionally, despite lacking institutions to moderate misinformation. “We gave the platform to everyone,” he recalled, “trusting the public to weigh information ….”

He also reflected on lessons from other nations, citing global examples where transformative change was only possible through visionary leadership and relentless follow-through. From Singapore’s disciplined housing strategy to India’s post-independence industrial focus and the U.S. space race under JFK, he argued that success hinges not just on ideas but on execution.

“Whether it is John F. Kennedy’s moon shot or Nehru’s push for industrialization, all share one lesson: sustained attention and personal involvement by leaders matter,” the Prime Minister said.

Abiy illustrated his own approach through the development of Unity Park in Addis Ababa, a project he personally supervised from inception to completion. “There is no project we have launched and left unfinished,” he stated. “That is the principle we need at every level of governance—from federal ministries down to local kebeles.”

He emphasized that kebele leaders must be deeply engaged in community affairs, actively tracking households, livestock, and livelihoods to ensure effective service delivery. He warned that neglect and poor supervision have caused delays and failures in several local initiatives.

“Leaders must not fear fatigue,” he urged. “Oversight is hard work, but it is the only path to real results.”

The Prime Minister also cited Ethiopia’s COVID-19 response as an example of adaptive leadership. During the pandemic’s early stages, he held daily coordination meetings in Addis Ababa. As systems improved and leadership capacity strengthened, that intense oversight was scaled back—a sign of successful delegation and team building.

Discussing flagship national projects, Abiy highlighted Abbay Dam, where daily supervision helped ensure critical milestones were met. “Our decreasing involvement today reflects confidence in the institutional capabilities we have nurtured,” he said.

Concluding with optimism, the Premier reaffirmed his belief in Ethiopia’s potential, driven by its energetic population and abundant resources. “We have the ingredients for greatness. What we need is leadership that does not waver and systems that are accountable. This is the path to a prosperous Ethiopia.”

BY STAFF REPORTER

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 6 JUNE 2025

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