Ethiopia Central to Africa’s Transformation, Says East Africa Law Society CEO

Addis Ababa, November 29, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia is central to the transformation of the continent as the completion of GERD gives African countries extra motivation that demonstrates a spirit of possibility by showcasing national unity and self-reliance, East Africa Law Society CEO David Sigano said. 

In an exclusive interview with ENA, East Africa Law Society CEO David Sigano said Ethiopia, in addition to its very important role in the history of Africa, is still central to where Africa is going.

Ethiopia has had a very important role in the history of Africa already, he noted, adding that Africans feel that Ethiopia has a very significant role in the future, just like it played a very important role in the past.

Stating that the whole continent is undergoing economic, social and political transformation, the CEO said that a lot of it is driven from the seat of the continent, which is Addis Ababa.

So, Ethiopia is essentially a key core in where the African Union is going and where African countries are going.

“We are very impressed with the transformation that has undergone. I was in Ethiopia a few years ago, but coming back again I can see huge, maybe a massive transformation.”

According to Sigano, Ethiopia, a country with very rich history and culture, will influence the development of the continent.

The CEO also commended Ethiopia for the role it has played in the Pan-African movement and in ensuring that the continent gets its independence and grows.

On the completion of Ethiopia’s historic Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, he said “I am very proud of Ethiopia for building the Grand Renaissance Dam. We are proud of the fact that Ethiopia developed that dam using its own resources.”

 

 

Many projects in the continent are developed or done through borrowing and through international cooperation, Sigano noted, pointing out that a self-financed project of such magnitude as GERD shows that it is possible for the African continent to do same.

He stressed that it is possible for other countries in the continent to copy Ethiopia and implement mega projects without needing a lot of external assistance.

“So, the fact that Ethiopia was able to complete this is something that gives us motivation that it is possible. That is part of the transformation that the continent is looking for, even in terms of clean energy.”

Africa has been striving to industrialize, and energy is the biggest catalyst for that industrialization, the CEO noted.

GERD, the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa is expected to facilitate regional energy integration through power exports and promote stability, cooperation, and shared prosperity. 

The hydroelectric power plant is widely celebrated as a potential "game-changer" for the continent's energy and development landscape.