Biography presented by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh during the appointment of Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia   Honorable Speaker, Distinguished Members of the House, Honorable Invited Guests, Today, before this honored Parliament, and in accordance with Article 73, Sub-Article 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, I have the immense honor, pride and privilege, on behalf of the Prosperity Party—which has secured the profound trust of the Ethiopian people and won a parliamentary majority in the 7th General Election—to nominate a great Ethiopian of our time for the position of Prime Minister of Ethiopia.   At this defining moment, when the foundation of a new chapter in Ethiopian civilization is being laid, our party, Prosperity, demonstrates its unwavering determination to place Ethiopia firmly on the foundation of her greatness by presenting this great Ethiopian for the Premiership. He is a leader created for Ethiopia, called to serve, untiring and undaunted; a leader who knows no fatigue, endless in innovation, tireless with his pen, rich in compassion and defined by resilience. From his parents, he learned patriotism and respect for the people at an early age. Raised among Ethiopia's diverse peoples and faiths, history shaped him to belong to all and to serve all. From the small village of Beshasha, he looked far beyond his immediate surroundings and dreamed of a greater Ethiopia. Whether she was grieving or rejoicing, whether facing hardship or moving forward, he longed for the day when he could serve this great nation and help her rise to the height of her history and prosper to the full measure of her riches. It was for this reason that, at the tender age of 14, he entered the armed struggle to serve his country and make sacrifices for it. He possesses a character that fights to the very end against anything he believes is not beneficial to Ethiopia. After the fall of the Derg regime, he joined the regular military. During the Ethio-Eritrean War, he served on the front lines in defense of his country's sovereignty.   Yet, inside the foxholes of the Badme front, he did more than fight. He wept, he reflected, he planned, and he weighed ideas about change. His military journey, which took him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, became a chapter in which he came to know Ethiopia intimately and, in doing so, contemplated the fate of tomorrow's Ethiopia. He paid the price of service by traveling to different parts of the country and observing Ethiopia firsthand. As he looked upon her, his love for her deepened; her weariness concerned him; her poverty angered him; and the fact that this great country was not yet truly great gave him no rest. In particular, when he was deployed to Rwanda as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission to help halt the genocide, he began to see Ethiopia through a comparative lens. He reflected: If we do not preserve our multinational unity, if each of us does not respect the rights of all, if we do not make our unity our strength and our diversity our ornament, and if we do not resolve our problems through consultation and dialogue, how will our fate differ from Rwanda's?   From that point onward, he sought to live by this conviction. He demonstrated that it is possible to live together by resolving differences through peace, dialogue and reconciliation. In the small town of Beshasha, he played a remarkable peacebuilding role, helping resolve faith-based tensions through dialogue, counsel and forgiveness. It was from this experience that he resolutely declared that the sword of reconciliation—carrying peace, forgiveness and love—is far better than the sword that beheads. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from Microlink Information Technology College, an MBA in Transformational Leadership from Leadstar Management and Leadership College, an MA from the University of Greenwich, and a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Addis Ababa University. In addition to numerous national and international awards, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He also sought to usher Ethiopia into a new chapter of transformation through his former membership and leadership in the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), his role as founder of the Information Network Security Agency (INSA), and his service as Minister of Science and Technology. Cultivating people and transforming lives, providing leadership and service free from corruption and theft, working alongside employees like a brother, and turning every responsibility—no matter how small—into a center of change for a greater Ethiopia became his daily way of life. Eight years ago, Ethiopia yearned for change. Poverty and backwardness had embittered the people. Division and fragmentation distressed the nation. Growth was being stifled, and grievances were accumulating. Fairness had vanished, the dominance of a single faction prevailed, and the country was suffering. Projects had stalled. Rights had been suppressed. Prisons were filled. Political divisions had sharpened. Ethiopia had entered a period of profound trial. At that critical moment, Ethiopia needed not merely change, but an apostle of change—a leader who would not draw the sword, incite revolution, demand destruction or build upon the grave of another. She needed a leader who would unite the people, bring partners and affiliates together as one, safeguard the rights of all peoples equitably, and focus on tomorrow rather than yesterday. At that critical hour, from within the EPRDF leadership, among its intellectuals, from the Oromia Region and from the womb of Ethiopia, a man named Abiy emerged. With wisdom and skill, through peaceful struggle, by aligning the people behind a shared purpose, strengthening the multinational bonds among Ethiopians, and challenging the dominance of a single faction, he brought about the envisioned change. Change was achieved through organizational appeal, public struggle and popular momentum. Ethiopia had repeatedly experienced bloody and destructive revolutions. This time, however, through reform, she sought to uproot only the thorn. She ceased demolishing her existing capacities simply to build anew. Erasing yesterday completely proved painful, yet accepting it exactly as it was offered no solution. Thus, building upon yesterday's foundation, she repaired what was broken, uprooted the weeds and embarked upon a new path toward tomorrow. Eight years ago, before this very Parliament, the name of the Creator was invoked with honor. The name of Ethiopia was called with love and respect. Opponents were described as competitors. A call for peace was extended to all engaged in conflict. Mothers were honored and appreciated.   The herald of an Ethiopia embarking on a new journey toward prosperity was proclaimed. Forgiveness was sought for all misdeeds committed in the name of the EPRDF. Peace, forgiveness and love were declared. A fresh breeze swept across modern Ethiopian politics. Since that time, this man has remained at work. He introduced a new tradition into Ethiopian political history. He enabled competing political parties and the governing party to serve together in one government. He traveled across America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, calling upon Ethiopians and partners to embrace peace and development. He secured pardons and the release of numerous political prisoners. Media outlets opened more freely. Politicians who had been living in exile returned home and were even entrusted with positions of government leadership. He worked to reconcile the separated fathers of the Orthodox Synod and the Islamic Affairs leadership. He ensured legal recognition for the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Evangelical Council. He sought to make security institutions free from political bias and transform them into guardians of the constitutional order. The Election Board and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission became independent and impartial institutions. Laws considered oppressive and restrictive—laws deemed unfitting for a modern Ethiopia—were amended, while judicial and court independence was upheld. He traveled from district to district to consult directly with the people. He facilitated efforts to resolve regional statehood demands in Southern Ethiopia. He transformed the concept of the Ethiopian revolution from a political revolution into a wheat and rice revolution. Through the Gebeta le Sheger (Dine for Sheger), Gebeta le Hager (Dine for the Nation), and Gebeta le Twolde (Dine for Generations) initiatives, he brought to fruition visionary projects designed to protect Ethiopia's heritage while creating new destinations for the future. He transformed Ethiopia through initiatives such as Clean and Green Ethiopia, Bountiful Development, Rural-Urban Corridors, Summer Wheat, Ease of Doing Business, Sharing Meals, Winter Volunteerism and Digital Ethiopia. Through writing, publishing and training, he worked tirelessly to build competent leadership for Ethiopia. He conceived the Moseb One-Stop Service initiative and expanded it across all regions. Under the Green Legacy Initiative, he oversaw the planting of 56 billion trees. He published four Medemer books and used the proceeds to build schools across all regions. He enabled Ethiopia to stop importing wheat and move toward self-sufficiency. He expanded fruit production and positioned it for export markets. He lifted Ethiopia's mining sector out of backwardness, enabling it to generate five years' worth of output compared with the previous century. Through Digital Ethiopia, he made it possible for money to reside in our mobile phones. By guiding macroeconomic reform, he restored balance to Ethiopia's fragile economy.   Through a fiercely challenging struggle, he navigated the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He built a strong and modern defense force for Ethiopia. He raised Ethiopian industries from the brink of decline and positioned them as drivers of the economy. He initiated and successfully guided the National Dialogue to fruition—an idea that had once been dismissed and criticized. He dismantled the separation between "allies" and "core affiliates" in order to build a unified multinational party. He emerged from the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, recurring conflicts, locust invasions and severe droughts refined like a diamond and stronger through adversity. From his youth, he has shown little tolerance for anyone who deliberately rises against Ethiopia. He endures much and tolerates much; but when it comes to Ethiopia's sovereignty, he tolerates no one. That is why, when enemies rose believing they could destroy Ethiopia, he set aside his office as Prime Minister, exchanged his tie for fatigue uniforms and marched to the front line. Today, this is a man fighting for Ethiopia to secure access to the sea. He is leading Ethiopia toward the construction of the massive Bishoftu International Airport. He is working tirelessly, day and night, to ensure Ethiopia achieves food self-sufficiency. He is enabling Ethiopia to become interconnected through digital identity. He is paving the way for Ethiopia to build a civilization that connects yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is facilitating the transition of farmers toward modern cluster farming. He is crafting a new rural strategy to enable pastoralists to transition into modern ways of living. He works day and night so that urban dwellers can enjoy better and more comfortable urban infrastructure. In Addis Ababa, for instance, he has sought to turn into action his promise: "We will make her new and a flower, just like her name." He is a priceless leader. He is enabling the structural transformation of the Ethiopian economy. He is building a political culture in which governing and competing parties can lead the nation together and collaborate on matters of national interest. Girding his loins and dedicating his time to the country, he works relentlessly to make a great Ethiopia even greater. He has reshaped Ethiopia's foreign relations beyond rigid notions of "enemy" and "friend," pursuing instead a pragmatic and action-oriented diplomacy. This is why, today, before this august assembly, I nominate Honorable Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali to serve as Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He has envisioned change. He has led change. And he has lived change for all to see. Born in Beshasha town, Jimma Zone, Oromia Region of Ethiopia, he is now 50 years old. He has dedicated three-quarters of his life to national service. He is married, a father of four children, and a friend to millions. Distinguished Members of the House, As our Prosperity Party nominates Honorable Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali—a gifted son of Ethiopia who has emerged refined like gold through the furnace of change, who has not merely lived through history but changed its course, and whom Ethiopia has sought and found across the eras—to serve as Prime Minister of Ethiopia, we do so with the greatest honor, pride and sense of privilege. I thank you.

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia will continue to assert its national interests on its own terms and strengthen its role as a decisive anchor state in the region, drawing on the country’s national strength and growing economic potential. The Prime Minister made the remarks as he was sworn in for a new term following the establishment of the Medemer Government under Ethiopia’s seventh parliamentary term. Addressing the House of People’s Representatives, PM Abiy said the past few years had been a critical period for laying fundamental foundations, enabling Ethiopia to build a resilient political-economic system capable of withstanding both domestic and external pressures. Speaking on sea access, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s long-term national and developmental vision is closely linked to securing reliable maritime access. He said his administration will actively pursue a gateway to the sea through dialogue, mutual benefit and give-and-take, while continuing to advance national development and major infrastructure projects. Reviewing Ethiopia’s recent political and economic trajectory, the Prime Minister outlined how the country had navigated complex internal and external pressures that sought to disrupt its development path. “When COVID-19 arrived and the world shut down, we continued with resolve. While campaigns were opened against us, as the world turned its back on us and repeatedly showed its injustice, we did not falter for a second,” he said.   He added that Ethiopia had also faced pressure while asserting its right to use its river and complete the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). “When they pulled us with a long rope to prevent us from bringing our dam to completion, we stumbled, but we did not fall, nor will we fall,” Abiy said. The Prime Minister said these experiences had demonstrated Ethiopia’s capacity to withstand obstacles and continue pursuing its national objectives. “We have proven in practice that we are building an invincible political-economy system that responds appropriately without falling to obstacles,” he said. Speaking on turning ambition into results and illustrating the feasibility of Ethiopia’s long-term vision, PM Abiy pointed to progress across key economic, agricultural and infrastructure sectors. He highlighted the expansion of wheat production, saying the initiative had helped replace imported wheat with domestic production and demonstrated the potential for large-scale agricultural self-sufficiency. He also cited progress on major water and development projects, including the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, advances on projects such as Megech, and the activation of the Tana Beles development initiative. Major corridor development programs, he added, have accelerated infrastructure expansion and urban modernization across the country, turning long-standing development plans into visible projects and operational realities. For the Prime Minister, these achievements demonstrate that Ethiopia’s ambitions are not limited to political declarations but can be translated into practical outcomes through sustained national effort. Addressing a new parliamentary chapter, looking ahead, Prime Minister Abiy outlined a broad agenda for the new parliamentary term aimed at consolidating the foundations laid in recent years and turning them into lasting national institutions.   The administration plans to pursue constitutional updates through the National Dialogue process, maintain a competitive political environment and engage constructively with opposition parties. On the economic front, the government will continue macroeconomic reforms, strengthen oversight of public expenditure and undertake civil service reforms aimed at improving measurable performance and modernizing public service delivery. In foreign policy, Abiy said Ethiopia will pursue cooperative relations with neighboring countries based on mutual interests and shared benefits, while continuing its efforts to secure reliable access to the Red Sea. He also pledged stronger institutional measures against corruption and nepotism, alongside the expansion of digital systems at lower levels of administration to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucracy and modernize government services. The Prime Minister’s address therefore placed national resilience, economic transformation, political dialogue, institutional reform and maritime access at the center of Ethiopia’s next phase.    

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia is fully prepared to effectively confront and repel threats directed against the country, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed affirmed today, pledging that the newly established Medemer Government will remain firmly focused on protecting Ethiopia’s national interests and advancing its ambitions. Prime Minister Abiy made the remarks in his address following his appointment for a second term during the government-formation session of the first working year of the seventh House of People’s Representatives. He subsequently took the oath of office, formally beginning his second term. The government-formation session marks a new chapter in Ethiopia’s political and institutional journey following the June 1 Seventh General Election, in which more than 54 million citizens participated, according to the National Election Board of Ethiopia.   In his address, Prime Minister Abiy expressed gratitude to the millions of Ethiopians who participated in the election, saying their votes had contributed to strengthening the nation. He described the seventh general election as more than a routine electoral exercise, saying it carried broader significance and demonstrated what he characterized as the growing maturity of Ethiopia’s democratic culture. The Prime Minister said Ethiopia and the wider world are experiencing rapidly changing and increasingly unpredictable national, regional and global dynamics, stressing that preparedness is essential in such an environment. According to PM Abiy, Ethiopia has paid a heavy price in the past because of inadequate preparation in a number of areas. He said now the country has learned from those experiences and has now made the necessary preparations to confront challenges and what he described as hostile acts directed against Ethiopia. “Getting tripped up by an obstacle once is natural, but stumbling repeatedly is not normal,” he said, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences.   The Premier further stressed that Ethiopia can overcome its challenges only through unity and collective effort, calling on citizens to move forward together as equals. He also assured Ethiopians that the country’s development trajectory should create opportunities for all citizens, declaring that “Ethiopia will have only winning citizens, not losers.” Reflecting on the country’s development experience, the Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s progress in recent years had demonstrated that determined efforts could turn national aspirations into practical achievements. He cited the expansion of summer wheat production as an example, recalling that when the government launched the initiative as part of its drive toward food sovereignty and reducing dependence on imported wheat, some dismissed the ambition as unrealistic. He said the results have since demonstrated the potential of Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation. The Prime Minister also pointed to the government’s ability to work with competing political actors in pursuit of national interests, saying Ethiopia had demonstrated in practice that political differences need not prevent cooperation on matters of national importance.   Speaking on sea access, Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia’s long-standing pursuit of reliable access to the sea remains a major national priority. “We will work tirelessly to ensure Ethiopia secures a sea outlet,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to pursuing the issue. Ethiopia has repeatedly stated that it seeks sea access through peaceful engagement, negotiation and mutually beneficial arrangements. PM Abiy framed the issue within Ethiopia’s broader national aspirations, saying the country should not merely transform itself but should aspire to grow into a country capable of contributing to transformation beyond its borders. He also invoked the country’s recent history of political and security challenge, recalling periods when Ethiopia’s unity and survival were portrayed as being at risk. According to the Prime Minister, those challenges have instead strengthened Ethiopia’s determination to preserve its unity and pursue its national ambitions. He underscored that concerns about Ethiopia’s future have increasingly shifted toward its ambitions in the Red Sea, rather than the prospect of the country disintegrating.   Against this backdrop, PM Abiy’s message was centered on readiness, unity and national resilience. As Ethiopia begins a new five-year political and institutional chapter, the Prime Minister said the country must draw lessons from its past, remain prepared for emerging challenges and continue pursuing its national aspirations. “Yesterday has passed, and tomorrow is yet to come; but today has arrived favorably,” he said, portraying the new political chapter as an opportunity for Ethiopia to turn its ambitions into tangible achievements. The establishment of the new Medemer State government and the formal appointment of the Prime Minister mark a significant institutional milestone following the country’s latest general election.

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2026 (ENA)— Citizen participation in Ethiopia’s emerging capital market is steadily growing, with an increasing number of investors opening accounts and trading securities, according to Hana Tehelku, Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA). Speaking to the ENA, Hana highlighted that the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda is delivering tangible results. She noted that the development of a national capital market is a key milestone, opening new opportunities for citizens to invest in and benefit from the country's expanding financial sector. Since the establishment of the ECMA, a landmark achievement of the nation's economic reforms, extensive foundational work has been undertaken to establish a transparent, predictable, and secure regulatory framework. "Over the past two years, we have demonstrated that a capital market can successfully operate in Ethiopia," Hana said, emphasizing the efforts made to establish a strong, credible and capable institution. Today, ECMA oversees 26 registered companies, including seven in the securities market. Market modernization is accelerating: roughly 187,000 physical security records have been digitized into the central depository system, and nearly 38,000 citizens have opened investment accounts, most of whom actively trade. Daily transaction volumes consistently surpass 50 million Birr, at times topping 60 million Birr. To protect investors, ECMA applies rigorous pre-licensing vetting alongside continuous post-licensing oversight. The Authority has also deployed a state-of-the-art tech surveillance system to monitor trading, flag irregularities, and enforce market integrity. Coupled with public education campaigns on illegal market practices and penalties, ECMA is ensuring a stable environment for sustainable financial growth.