ADDIS ABABA –African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has commended the people and government of Ethiopia for the country’s ongoing economic transformation.
According to Youssouf, the expansion of export-oriented agricultural production and ambitious urban development projects are central to Ethiopia’s economic progress.
He made these remarks during the 3rd Africa Job Creation Forum held recently in Addis Ababa. Youssouf also expressed admiration for the capital, stating that Addis Ababa has become an extraordinary city. The Chairperson, who recently visited several European capitals, said, “Addis Ababa is much more beautiful than many of them.”
Youssouf noted that around 56 cities across Ethiopia are undergoing similar transformations, which he said reflects the strong commitment of the country’s leadership.
On the agricultural front, Youssouf emphasized that Ethiopia has moved beyond its traditional teff production. He highlighted the country’s current large-scale cultivation and export of wheat and maize crops.
“We are really amazed about this transformation. Ethiopia is really undergoing a huge transformation,” he said, while extending appreciation to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), the government, and the people of Ethiopia for their achievements.
Deputy Prime Minister TemesgenTiruneh highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts to empower its citizens in pursuit of sustainable development.
“Throug hour home grown economic reforms and Ten Year Plan, we are building a skilled workforce, empowering young people, advancing clean energy, modernizing agriculture, and developing Integrated Agro Industrial Parks. We are also implementing the Digital Ethiopia strategy and strengthening national capacity to be climate resilient, inclusive, and ready for the future,” he wrote on X social media.
Temesgen also emphasized the Green Legacy Initiative, through which Ethiopia is planting more than 40 billion trees, an initiative that is also contributing to job creation.
Youssouf praised Ethiopia’s environmental conservation efforts and noted that agriculture provides livelihoods for over 60 percent of Africa’s population. He called for collective efforts to boost job creation across all sectors, with a particular focus on technology and youth-led innovation.
He underscored the vital role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in unlocking employment opportunities and stressed the importance of making it fully operational. Youssouf added that Ethiopia’s reform agenda is helping reduce poverty and strengthen resilience.
Africa’s population is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, an increase of 60 percent from current levels. Youssouf said this demographic trend necessitates greater job creation and stronger economic planning.
Temesgen described Africa as a continent filled with youth and ambition, where young people are striving to drive growth and transformation.
He described that Pan African unity and in the African Continental Free Trade Area as a pathway to shared progress.
According to Temesgen, Africans must turn plans into action, and action into lasting impact for skills development and shared prosperity across Africa.
“Let us move from vision to action. Let us move forward together with unity, with courage, with hope. Let us give our young people the future they deserve,” Temesgen urged.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025
