PM Abiy’s December Leadership Accelerates Ethiopia’s Development, Global Influence

January 2, 2026 (ENA)—In December 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led a series of high-level national and international initiatives, advancing Ethiopia’s development agenda while reinforcing its growing regional and global influence.

A key highlight was the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During their meetings, the two leaders explored ways to deepen strategic cooperation across trade, investment, digitization, and tourism.

The visit culminated in several landmark agreements, including mutual administrative assistance in customs, the establishment of a Data Centre within Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a memorandum on UN Peacekeeping Cooperation.

Prime Ministers Abiy and Modi also addressed a joint session of Ethiopia’s Parliament, reflecting the increasing significance of Ethiopia-India relations in both bilateral and multilateral contexts.

On the continental front, Prime Minister Abiy engaged closely with African and regional partners. He met with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, to discuss collaborative efforts for COP32 in 2027, emphasizing Africa-led solutions and regional leadership.

Regionally, he welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Kenyan President William Ruto for working visits, holding productive discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, promoting regional peace, and advancing sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.

Domestically, Prime Minister Abiy marked a major milestone with the official launch of Digital Ethiopia 2030, building on the successes of Digital Ethiopia 2025. The strategy aims to expand digital access, ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, and strengthen trust between the public and government institutions.

Under this initiative, Ethiopia plans to dramatically increase mobile subscribers, expand 5G coverage to 100 towns, scale digital payments, modernize trade systems, and develop a robust Artificial Intelligence ecosystem alongside resilient cybersecurity infrastructure. The Prime Minister emphasized that electricity and internet connectivity are critical enablers, committing to extend both nationwide to support inclusive, people-centered digital growth.

He further highlighted that Digital Ethiopia 2030 aligns with the Medemer State vision, which focuses on efficient, streamlined, and citizen-focused governance.

The 20th Nations and Nationalities Day celebrations in Hoseana provided another platform for Prime Minister Abiy to reinforce national unity.

He reminded citizens of Ethiopia’s potential alongside its challenges, declaring, “A single thread is fragile, but many threads woven together form an unbreakable rope.” The Prime Minister called for continued cooperation, solidarity, and the safeguarding of national interests, announcing that Jimma will host next year’s celebrations.

Throughout December, Prime Minister Abiy’s leadership highlighted Ethiopia’s dual focus on modernization at home and strategic diplomacy abroad.

By advancing digital inclusion, fostering regional partnerships, and deepening international cooperation, Ethiopia strengthened its national development trajectory while elevating its regional and global standing.