PM Abiy Urges Water-Led Development as Africa Charts New Growth Path

ADDIS ABABA, February 14, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged African countries to place water at the center of their development strategies, describing it as a strategic pillar for economic transformation, innovation and long term stability across the continent.

Addressing the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, PM Abiy said Africa must redefine how it values and manages its natural wealth, moving beyond extraction toward design, governance and sustainable use.

“Africa’s strength lies not only in what it extracts, but in what it designs, builds and governs,” he told heads of state and government gathered at the AU headquarters.

The Prime Minister emphasized that water should be treated as a driver of structural transformation rather than a finite commodity.

“Water is more than a resource. It is a foundation of development, innovation and stability. It shapes our cities, our farms, our health and our peace,” PM Abiy said.

He underscored the role of integrated water management in supporting urbanization, ensuring food security, expanding renewable energy and strengthening public health systems.

According to the Prime Minister, coordinated water policies can accelerate industrialization while reducing vulnerability to climate shocks.

Drawing on Ethiopia’s experience, PM Abiy highlighted the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as an example of homegrown engineering and continental ambition.

“The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam now powers homes and industry, exports electricity to neighboring countries, and shows how African ingenuity can drive shared prosperity across Africa,” he stated.

The dam, he noted, demonstrates how large scale infrastructure can expand energy access, promote regional integration and create shared economic benefits when anchored in cooperation and mutual trust.

The Premier further stressed that Africa’s transboundary rivers should be governed through dialogue and partnership, rather than rivalry. He said collaborative management of shared water basins can transform potential flashpoints into platforms for integration.

“Rivers, when governed cooperatively, can become engines of stability rather than sources of tension,” he said.

The Prime Minister called on member states to strengthen coordination under the African Water Vision 2025 framework, which aims to ensure equitable and sustainable water use across the continent.

He urged African leaders to invest in water infrastructure, climate resilient systems and scientific research to unlock the full potential of the sector. Such investments, he said, are essential for advancing food security, energy transition and industrial growth in line with continental priorities.

PM Abiy’s remarks come as African nations face mounting climate pressures, rapid population growth and rising demand for energy and agricultural productivity. By placing water at the heart of policy planning, he argued, Africa can secure both stability and prosperity for future generations.