Op-ed By Ledet Muleta, BSN, MPH Addis Ababa, December 2, 2025— Recently, Addis Ababa inaugurated a newly constructed building with 320 beds for inpatient care at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, one of the city's most historic medical institutions. But what stood out that day was not just the size of the building; it was the symbol it carried. For decades, Addis has suffered from limited health infrastructure, aging facilities, and chronic shortages. That morning, I felt we were witnessing the beginning of a new era in public health. The hospital includes a newly established Oxygen Production Center, an achievement of tremendous significance. For years, oxygen supply shortages had threatened the lives of residents. Having worked in public health, including during the Ebola and COVID-19 crises, I know firsthand how oxygen shortages can determine life-or-death outcomes. Seeing an oxygen production center fully equipped not only to supply Zewditu Memorial Hospital but also to support surrounding hospitals felt like witnessing a critical lifeline finally being secured. My journey in healthcare spans more than a decade, including a long tenure at the world-renowned National Institutes of Health (NIH), where I worked as a senior team member responding to critical public health challenges, advancing research, and supporting global emergency responses. Those years gave me a deep understanding of how strong public health systems are built and the responsibility governments carry to ensure their people have access to reliable infrastructure and quality care. Throughout my time at NIH, I often wished that Ethiopia, my birthplace, would one day give similar priority to building more hospitals, diagnostic centers, and research institutions. Today, I can confidently say that progress is here. Under the leadership of Addis Ababa City Mayor, Adanech Abiebie, healthcare has been given the urgency it has long deserved. The administration understands what many cities learned the hard way: that no society thrives without dependable medical services. For residents, it's dignity and a lifeline. For investors and diplomats, it's security. For our economy, it's the difference between retaining foreign currency or losing millions to medical tourism. But the expansion at Zewditu is only the beginning: three more hospitals are now under construction, expected to add 1,500 new beds to the city’s healthcare system. Designed to modern standards—surgical suites, maternal and child health wings, diagnostic centers, and emergency units—they are addressing a crisis that has overwhelmed Addis Ababa’s facilities for decades. These investments mean shorter waiting times, reduced pressure on overburdened hospitals, and a healthcare system finally built to support a growing city. Beyond the clinical benefits, the impact is deeply human: families will no longer be forced to leave their communities—or their country—in search of care that should be available at home. There will be fewer preventable deaths, less emotional strain of being away from loved ones, and a more secure, self-reliant Addis Ababa. I have watched Addis Ababa prioritize public health not only through its infrastructure projects—riverside development, corridors, and parks—but also through long-overdue investments in hospitals and health professionals. Combined with education reforms and new incentives for the health workforce, the city is heading toward a true healthcare renaissance. Having spent many years as a public health expert and witnessing firsthand what healthcare means to citizens, I feel privileged to serve in an administration that is building a healthier future for its people. The expansion of Zewditu and the construction of three additional hospitals are more than infrastructure; they are clear expressions of commitment, confidence, and care. Through decisive leadership, targeted investment, evidence-driven policy, and private-sector collaboration, Addis Ababa is charting a new path in urban health and is steadily moving toward the standards long achieved by developed cities.

By Molla Mitiku One of the most consequential moments in the diplomatic history of Ethiopia was attending the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the 22nd and 23rd November 2025. It was for the first time that Ethiopia entered such a forum with clearly outlined objectives and a stance. Indeed, Ethiopia succeeded in shaping discussions over global governance; it voiced African priorities and obtained concrete partnerships matching its national development agenda. That summit, which was held for the first time on African soil, has created a unique environment wherein Ethiopia could speak not only for itself but also as one of the key voices representing the aspirations of the continent. Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attende the summit. Ethiopia displayed its all-rounded capability including structural reforms, economic recalibration, and regional engagement in that high-level summit. Hence, the G20 was meant to be an opportunity for the Ethiopian leadership to showcase progress on macroeconomic stability, modernization of infrastructure, and climate leadership. In Johannesburg, Ethiopia was positioning itself as an emerging voice for the transformation of Africa, a leader in climate action, and a nation intent on building modern institutions anchored in technology, sustainability, and cooperation. It explores expanded support from global financial institutions, the strengthening of bilateral ties with major economies, elevation of African priorities in global debates, and the broader meaning of Ethiopia’s visible ascent in international leadership. This feature, therefore, examines the depth of Ethiopia’s achievements at the G20 Summit. In this regard, the following sections show how the summit became a platform for long-term gains that extend far beyond the two days of meetings. Elevating Diplomatic, Global Partnerships The presence of Ethiopia at the G20 carried much weight, given that the summit was the first to be held on African soil and fell well within the ongoing reform chapter the country embarked upon. The setting in Johannesburg provided just about the right stage at precisely the right time. Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia's Minister of Finance, said that the objective was presenting Ethiopia as “a nation that is no longer asking for support but seeking partnership built on shared growth.” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also reinforced that “Ethiopia comes to the G20 with a spirit of cooperation and clarity. We seek partnerships that reflect long-term commitment and mutual benefit. Ethiopia positioned itself for a future shaped by investment, technology, and climate resilience. Its participation underlined that reforms in Ethiopia are not just stopgap adjustments but part of broader transformations to boost productivity, modernize institutions, and contribute meaningfully to global governance. So far, the government of Ethiopia has been working on strengthening its global partnership and at the G20 Summit; this engagement was made in a practical way, openly with all countries regardless of their political, religious, and economic status, including partners across the world and the continent. The country made such unrestricted relations due to its major legacy ‘Medemer’ literally referring to synergy and cooperation. In connection with the country's bilateral engagement, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos confirmed that the approach is an extension of the country's "synergy legacy developed in the country." In connection to diplomatic and global partnership, the summit provided Ethiopia with an opportunity to engage the leaders of major global economies and emerging powers. These consultations were more focused on practical areas of cooperation than diplomatic formality and formed a venue for reinforcing the relationships hinged on mutual imperatives for development. One of the most significant bilateral engagements was with South Africa. Discussions by the two countries outlined the possibility of anchoring deeper continental cooperation. The conversations centered on how to expand regional integration, attract new investment flows, and exchange best practices in urban development. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that Addis Ababa “has become one of the most dynamic examples of modern African urban planning.” The governments agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, aviation, and digital transformation. The European countries, including Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz and France's President Emmanuel Macron, showed restored interest in the reform trajectory of Ethiopia. The European Prime Minister noted Ethiopia's efforts toward the diversification of its economy, and its readiness for further development through industrial and digital transformation. Ethiopia further solidified its relations with countries from Asia and the Middle East. Indonesia, India, South Korea, Vietnam, and Turkey, among others, have engaged extensively with PM Abiy Ahmed on industrial development, digital infrastructure, agricultural modernization, and improvement in logistics. All these countries showed readiness to explore investment opportunities in Ethiopian industrial parks and economic corridors. Having expanded its diplomatic footprint, Ethiopia also engaged with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres applauded the efforts of Ethiopia to advance peace and stability both at home and across the region. In his meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, he lauded Ethiopia’s “renewed commitment to regional dialogue and security cooperation” World Bank President Ajay Banga also supported investments by Ethiopia in infrastructure, emphasized modernization as part of the country's development model, relating to logistics, aviation, and digital networks. All these engagements have taken Ethiopia's continental and global diplomatic relations up a notch into a new chapter. In this regard, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos emphasized, "Our objective was to present Ethiopia as a nation which steps forward with solutions, not demands, seeking partnerships based on mutual benefit. Voicing African Priorities Under the country's ‘Medemer’ philosophy, Ethiopia used the G20 platform to push for continental economic integration and structural reforms that reflect the reality of African economies. In this regard, Ethiopia voiced for debt reform, a continental pivotal issue. In connection to this fact, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed argued, "Developing countries cannot modernize their economies while burdened by unsustainable debt." He further emphasized on strengthening health systems across the continent and presented Ethiopia's community-based health system as a scalable model that fuses external support with local ownership to deliver services at a national level. Hence, Ethiopia utilized the platform to voice continental matters so that the advocacy placed Ethiopia not only as a beneficiary of support but also as a contributor of workable development solutions for the Global South. Secured New Commitments & Finance The most salient achievement of Ethiopia from the Johannesburg summit was the commitment from all major Global Financial Institutions. These engagements went beyond general pledging, focusing on concrete priority project support, macroeconomic reforms, and climate initiatives. It provided Ethiopia with an opportunity to align its national priorities with the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and African Development Bank's strategic agendas, leading to a series of strengthened commitments. The World Bank announced that the Bank was ready to expand its engagement with Ethiopia, reiterating its support for large-scale infrastructure investments, and emphasizing that Ethiopia has been on a clear development trajectory, adding that it is ready to scale up its support for transformative projects such as the Bishoftu Mega Airport. The IMF, represented by its Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, praised the country's latest macroeconomic adjustments. She said, "The recent economic measures taken by the country are steps anchored in responsible management and long-term national vision." In a post on social media after his meeting with Georgieva, Prime Minister Abiy also said, "I held a constructive bilateral meeting with IMF managing director Georgieva during which we discussed global economic trends, our national economic reforms, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation in support of sustainable and inclusive growth". The President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, on his part hailed Ethiopia as "a model of committed development leadership." The Bank's president confirmed sustained collaboration in strategic projects that include the Bishoftu Mega Airport, industrial corridors, clean energy development, and digital transformation projects. Ethiopia also managed to have financial fund by engaging Executive Director of the Global Fund in this regard, Ethiopia and the Global Fund officials have discussed on the instrumental grants in expanding primary healthcare networks, strengthening disease prevention systems and supporting nation-wide community health services. Model for Climate Action Ethiopia showcased its Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), one of the most ambitious environmental restoration programs from Africa, to the entire world. The country has successfully sown more than 48 billion seedlings over the past years. Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development, underlined the success of the initiative beyond mere planting: "The GLI has been a resounding success for the development and protection of Ethiopia's natural resources, not only for the economy but also in the fight against the ravages of climate change." The initiative is also cited to have big economic benefits, largely through the increased export revenues with millions of coffee and fruit seedlings planted. Press Secretary at the Office of Prime Minister Billene Seyoum, on her part, has pointed out that GLI was a demonstration of Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, and has “drawn attention and support from several world leaders.” Therefere, the significance of the GLI goes well beyond its borders, with its potential as a model for African climate action and sustainable development. Through its integrated approach to reforestation and agroforestry, the program holds great promise to tackle a number of continent-wide scourges: desertification, soil erosion, and food insecurity. It was also previously reported that at the Second Africa Climate Summit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced Ethiopia's official bid to host the Conference of the Parties (COP 32) in 2027. This is due to its strong environmental credentials, primarily highlighted by the GLI demonstrating a sustainable, community-driven effort to restore watersheds, protect soil, and create jobs. Ethiopia's proposal to host the crucial global climate policy forum signals its readiness to assume a leadership role and show that the continent can be "the continent of solutions." Promote Trade and Investment Investment promotion and an articulation of its economic potential perhaps dominated the agenda of Ethiopia in the just-ended G20 summit. The Ethiopian delegation sought to attract foreign capital by underlining key sectors primed for growth, including aviation, energy, manufacturing, tourism, digital services, and agriculture. Ethiopia is accomplishing successful works through expanding education and infrastructure and by "creating a conducive environment for foreign investment." This proactive attitude stimulated much international interest, with several countries that showed avid interest in expanding trade relations and exploring industrial partnerships. In connection to this, Ethiopian delegation held meetings with heads of state from major economies that included France, Germany, Finland, Brazil, the UK, South Korea, and Vietnam, squarely on economic growth, climate action, and multilateral cooperation. Conclusion Participation in the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg marked one more milestone in Ethiopia's modern-day diplomacy to position itself as a proactive, credible, and solution-oriented partner on the world stage. This engagement affirmed Ethiopia's readiness for high-level, solution-oriented diplomacy, showcasing its ability to articulate the needs of developing nations and contribute meaningfully toward global economic and climate governance. The most concrete achievement of the event was the commitments obtained from major international financial institutions, a critical signal of restored confidence in the nation's economic reforms and long-term development strategy. As Finance Minister Ahmed Shide reaffirmed, these pledges "confirm the confidence of the world in Ethiopian economic reforms and future potential." Beyond that, Ethiopia's extensive range of bilateral engagements showed that major global economies see it as a worthy partner on a series of key issues-trade, investment, technology, and climate action. The summit gave Ethiopia a significant boost in its diplomatic standing. Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos, underscored this shift, "This repositions Ethiopia as a key voice in global affairs and a credible partner for sustainable development." This visibility, coupled with the emphasis on national initiatives such as the community-based health system, economic reforms, and climate action, acts to undergird a message of national ownership and global cooperation being necessary for sustainable development. Going forward, its increased global profile is expected to improve the country's influence at multilateral platforms and in future diplomatic engagements. In addition to national interests, the Ethiopian delegation strongly represented African priorities, such as debt relief, fair development financing, and climate justice, reaffirming its leadership role on the continent. The summit offered Ethiopia an important opportunity to amplify Africa's priorities, and to foster partnerships that support peace, stability, and inclusive growth.Shortly, the Johannesburg summit showed a reflection of unity of purpose, strategic messaging, and clear national priorities. As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed succinctly captured, the summit has "opened new pathways for Ethiopia’s development, diplomacy and influence," leveraging the generated momentum as a catalyst for broader national and regional progress.