Development Drive, Strategic Partnerships and A Landslide Wake-Up Call Addis Ababa, March 15, 2026 (ENA)—This week in Ethiopia captured the country’s complex moment of transformation: ambitious development projects, expanding diplomatic partnerships and an urgent humanitarian response to a natural disaster. Major mining investments worth billions of dollars, new urban modernization projects and expanding regional diplomacy reflected the government’s continuing push toward economic transformation and institutional strengthening. At the same time, a deadly landslide in southern Ethiopia served as a stark reminder of the environmental vulnerabilities facing rural communities. Together, these developments illustrated the realities of a country pursuing rapid modernization while confronting climate pressures and longstanding social challenges. Even as Ethiopia continues large-scale environmental initiatives such as the Green Legacy campaign, climate-related risks remain an urgent concern. Urban Modernization and Digital Governance   Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed began the week with an inspection tour of eastern Ethiopia, visiting the historic cities of Dire Dawa and Harar to review ongoing urban development and public service modernization projects. In Dire Dawa, the Prime Minister evaluated the progress of the city’s corridor development program — an ambitious urban renewal initiative designed to improve public spaces, mobility and commercial activity. The project features pedestrian walkways, recreational areas, retail zones and electric vehicle charging stations aimed at enhancing both urban livability and economic vitality. The premier also visited an urban farming initiative promoting local food production within the city. The project demonstrates how small-scale agriculture can strengthen urban food security while creating employment opportunities for residents. Another key stop was the newly established MESOB One Stop Public Service Center, a facility that integrates services from multiple government institutions under one roof, simplifying administrative procedures for citizens.   While observing the projects, the prime minister emphasized the broader objective behind the initiative. “We are working to ensure that our cities become engines of productivity and centers of opportunity for citizens,” he said. “Urban development must improve quality of life while strengthening economic competitiveness.” The corridor development program focuses on expanding road networks, improving drainage systems, organizing commercial zones and creating green public spaces designed to make Ethiopian cities more functional and environmentally sustainable. In Harar, the prime minister inspected a similar integrated service center designed to streamline government service delivery. The visit also included tours of natural and cultural landmarks such as Nasiol Cave and the iconic Kundudo Mountain. Urban transformation remains central to Ethiopia’s development agenda through the nationwide Corridor Development Initiative, which is upgrading infrastructure across major cities and key transport routes to improve mobility, strengthen trade connectivity and raise urban living standards.   Harar’s modernization program is particularly distinctive because it seeks to balance infrastructure improvements with the preservation of historical identity. The city’s famous walled historic district, Harar Jugol, is undergoing improvements in sanitation, transport and tourism infrastructure while maintaining its unique architectural heritage. Another milestone was the inauguration of the Mesob One Stop Service Center, part of Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation strategy under the national Digital Ethiopia initiative. Digital public services are increasingly reshaping the relationship between citizens and government institutions by reducing administrative delays and improving transparency. Urban modernization is also reaching the community level. Authorities in Harar presented the Burqa Kebele model village, a development initiative designed to demonstrate how improved housing and infrastructure can raise living standards while preserving cultural traditions. The project includes upgraded homes, improved sanitation facilities, paved roads and expanded access to health and education services. Diplomacy and Strategic Partnerships Diplomatic engagement also played a prominent role this week. In Djibouti City, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed joined Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for a tripartite consultation focused on regional cooperation and security across the Horn of Africa.   The leaders discussed political developments in the region, economic integration among neighboring countries and collective approaches to shared security challenges. They also exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its potential implications for trade and regional stability. Later in the week, the prime minister traveled to the United Arab Emirates for a working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation. During the visit, he held talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on expanding collaboration in investment, trade, education and regional stability. “Brotherhood undeterred, a partnership rooted in trust,” the prime minister said, describing the relationship between the two countries.   He added that cooperation with the UAE continues to expand across investment, trade and development initiatives that support Ethiopia’s ambition to build a competitive and dynamic economy. In recent years, the UAE has emerged as one of Ethiopia’s most significant economic partners, investing in sectors such as renewable energy, logistics infrastructure and agriculture. Major Mining Investments The week also saw the signing of major mining investment agreements worth approximately 4.2 billion USD. The deals involve investors including Ethiopian Investment Holdings and private sector partners such as ZYTB DIM Metals and Minerals and Bero Mining. The projects aim to develop significant deposits of iron ore, potash and gold across several regions of the country. Officials say these investments could strengthen Ethiopia’s industrial sector by supplying raw materials for domestic manufacturing while boosting export revenues.   Minister of Mines Habtamu Tegegne emphasized the importance of responsible mineral development. “Our mineral resources have the potential to support industrialization, generate export revenue and create employment opportunities,” he said. Economic analysts note that expanded mining activity could also help address Ethiopia’s persistent foreign currency shortages by increasing export earnings. A Tragic Landslide in Southern Ethiopia Despite these economic and diplomatic advances, the week was overshadowed by a devastating landslide in the Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia that claimed lives and destroyed homes. Upon returning from the UAE, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed traveled to Arba Minch to assess the situation and meet affected families. The disaster was triggered by heavy seasonal rains that caused flooding and landslides in several communities. Expressing his condolences, the prime minister said: “I express my deep sorrow over the loss of the lives of our citizens.”   He pledged that the government would provide assistance to affected communities while pursuing long-term preventive measures. The House of Peoples' Representatives of Ethiopia declared a period of national mourning following the tragedy, while emergency teams were deployed to deliver humanitarian assistance. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said government institutions were coordinating relief operations to support survivors and rebuild damaged infrastructure. The disaster highlights growing climate-related risks in Ethiopia’s highland regions. Increasing rainfall variability, land degradation and deforestation have heightened the risk of landslides and flooding in vulnerable areas. Authorities say stronger early warning systems, expanded reforestation and improved land management will be critical to reducing future disaster risks. Cultural Celebration and Social Cohesion Amid economic initiatives, cultural celebration also reminded Ethiopians of the importance of social unity. The Sidama people celebrated the annual Fichee Chambalaalla festival in the city of Hawassa.   Recognized by UNESCO as an element of intangible cultural heritage, the festival symbolizes renewal, reconciliation and communal solidarity. Thousands gathered for traditional ceremonies, music and cultural performances marking the Sidama New Year. The celebration reflects the enduring values of unity, forgiveness and community harmony that continue to shape Ethiopia’s diverse cultural landscape. The Week in Perspective Taken together, this week’s developments highlight three key priorities shaping Ethiopia’s current trajectory. First, domestic transformation, driven by urban modernization, digital governance and expanding economic investment. Second, active diplomacy, aimed at strengthening regional stability and deepening international partnerships. Third, humanitarian engagement, responding to natural disasters affecting vulnerable communities. These parallel dynamics reveal the multiple dimensions of Ethiopia’s ongoing transformation. Investments in mining, urban infrastructure and digital services reflect an ambitious effort to accelerate economic growth and strengthen institutional capacity.

By staff writer Addis Ababa, March 12, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continues to push forward an ambitious national development agenda that is steadily reshaping Ethiopia’s economic and infrastructural landscape. Over the past seven years, the Premier has personally championed and closely monitored a series of transformative mega projects designed to alter the country’s development trajectory and position the nation as a rising hub for large-scale project execution in Africa. Demonstrating a hands-on leadership style, the Prime Minister has traveled extensively across the country, inspecting progress on flagship initiatives ranging from power generation and aviation to natural gas, fertilizer production, and urban corridor development. Major national programs such as “Dine for the Nation Initiative” and “Dine for Generation” initiatives have also formed part of this broader effort to mobilize resources and accelerate sustainable tourism development and destinations. The momentum was once again evident during the Prime Minister’s recent working visit to eastern Ethiopia, where he toured key cities including Dire Dawa and Harar. The visit brought renewed national attention to the region’s expanding development prospects, highlighting transformative infrastructure projects, improved public service delivery, growing knowledge and research institutions, and the untapped natural and tourism potential that could play a crucial role in the country’s future growth. Through on-site inspections of corridor development works, modern service centers, research facilities, and emerging tourism destinations, the Prime Minister’s tour underscored the government’s determination to translate national reform policies into visible and meaningful improvements in the daily lives of citizens. Corridor Development Transforming Urban Landscapes   One of the highlights of the visit was the inspection of the corridor development project in Dire Dawa, a flagship initiative aimed at modernizing urban infrastructure while improving environmental aesthetics and public spaces. The project has transformed key areas of the city by creating organized public recreation spaces, green corridors, and community gathering areas. It also integrates modern urban amenities such as electric vehicle charging stations, cafes, commercial spaces, and improved pedestrian walkways. Beyond beautification, the initiative is designed to stimulate economic activity by creating business opportunities for local residents and enhancing the city’s attractiveness as a commercial and tourism hub. Officials note that such projects are redefining Ethiopia’s urban environments by combining infrastructure development with environmental sustainability and improved quality of life. Modernizing Public Services Through MESOB Centers   During his stay in Dire Dawa, the Prime Minister also visited the city’s MESOB one-stop service center, a modern public service hub designed to streamline administrative services. The facility integrates dozens of government services under one roof, allowing citizens to access various public services quickly and efficiently. By reducing bureaucracy and digitalizing processes, MESOB centers represent an important step in the government’s broader effort to modernize governance and improve service delivery. These centers are increasingly viewed as key platforms for building responsive public institutions and strengthening citizen trust in government services. Knowledge Infrastructure: Emerta Library   Another notable stop during the visit was the newly built Emerta Library in Dire Dawa, a large educational facility designed to support learning, research, and community engagement. The library has the capacity to serve up to 1,000 users at a time and its shelves can accommodate up to one million books, making it one of the significant knowledge infrastructures in the region. The facility is expected to become a major learning hub for students, researchers, and residents, helping nurture a culture of reading, research, and innovation. Observers say investments in such educational facilities reflect the government’s broader focus on human capital development, recognizing that knowledge and education are essential drivers of sustainable national progress. Strengthening Industry Through Quality Assurance   The Prime Minister also visited the Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise laboratory in Dire Dawa, a facility that provides testing and certification services for various industrial and consumer products. The laboratory conducts testing for products such as edible oils, petroleum products, food items, cosmetics, detergents, and construction materials. By ensuring that locally produced goods meet national standards, the facility is expected to strengthen industrial competitiveness and enhance Ethiopia’s capacity to participate in regional and global markets. Quality infrastructure such as testing laboratories plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s ongoing industrialization efforts. Community-Led Rural Development in Harar   The Prime Minister’s visit continued in the historic city of Harar, where he inspected a rural corridor development project in Sofi Woreda. The project, developed with strong community participation and the use of locally available materials, has transformed a rural settlement into a model village. Constructed through the collective efforts of local residents, the initiative demonstrates how community-driven development can significantly improve rural living conditions while preserving traditional architecture and cultural identity. Such initiatives, according to officials, provide practical models for rural transformation across Ethiopia. Unlocking Tourism and Natural Resource Potential   Beyond infrastructure and services, the visit also highlighted the immense natural and tourism potential of eastern Ethiopia. During his tour, the Prime Minister visited natural attractions including caves and geological formations, emphasizing the importance of scientific research and systematic mapping of the country’s natural resources. He stressed that Ethiopia possesses numerous unexplored natural sites whose scientific documentation could unlock significant opportunities for tourism development, job creation, and local economic growth.   The Prime Minister also called on scholars and research institutions to conduct detailed studies of the country’s natural heritage and generate sovereign data that can guide long-term national development strategies. A Broader Vision for Inclusive Development Taken together, the projects visited during the Prime Minister’s tour reflect Ethiopia’s broader development strategy aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening institutions, and expanding economic opportunities across the country. From urban corridor development and digital public service centers to rural model villages, knowledge infrastructure, and natural tourism sites, the initiatives illustrate a multi-sector approach to national development. Equally important, the visit highlighted the role of community participation, innovation, education, among others.   As eastern Ethiopia continues to emerge as a region rich in cultural heritage, natural resources, and human potential, the government’s focus on infrastructure development, service modernization, and knowledge expansion signals a broader vision of inclusive national growth. The Prime Minister’s visit thus served not only as an inspection of ongoing projects but also as a reaffirmation of Ethiopia’s commitment to unlocking its vast potential and building a more prosperous future for its citizens. Key Takeaways From Prime Minister Abiy’s Visit Following his visit to the Nasiol Cave, Prime Minister Abiy called for urgent scientific mapping of Ethiopia’s vast natural and mineral resources, describing the site as a powerful symbol of the country’s untapped wealth and deep historical legacy. The Prime Minister emphasized that comprehensive scientific research and systematic resource mapping are essential to unlocking these assets for national development. Properly studying Ethiopia’s natural heritage, he noted, could strengthen tourism, create new economic opportunities, and improve livelihoods for communities living near these sites.   The Premier further urged Ethiopian scholars, researchers, and institutions to lead the documentation of the country’s hidden resources, underscoring the importance of generating what he described as “sovereign data.” According to the Prime Minister, relying on domestically produced research is essential for shaping national policies and long-term development strategies grounded in Ethiopia’s own knowledge, realities, and priorities. He concluded that ensuring data sovereignty and systematic resource mapping will be key to transforming Ethiopia’s vast natural and historical wealth into sustainable economic growth.   Taken together, the projects visited during the Prime Minister’s tour reflect Ethiopia’s broader development strategy aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening institutions, and expanding economic opportunities across the country. From urban corridor development and digital public service centers to rural model villages, knowledge infrastructure, and emerging tourism destinations, the initiatives illustrate a comprehensive and multi-sector approach to national development. The visit ultimately served not only as an inspection of ongoing projects but also as a reaffirmation of Ethiopia’s commitment to unlocking its immense potential and building a more prosperous future for its citizens.