Ethiopia Targets 10.2 Percent Growth, Expands Green Legacy Drive: PM Abiy

ADDIS ABABA, February 14, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that Ethiopia is on track to register 10.2 percent economic growth by the end of the current fiscal year, as the government accelerates implementation of its Green Legacy Initiative.

Speaking at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, PM Abiy said the continent is moving toward a phase of economic convergence, with forecasts suggesting Africa’s expansion could rival or surpass parts of Asia in the years ahead.

The projected expansion reflects ongoing reforms and sustained investment across key sectors, positioning Ethiopia among the fastest growing economies in Africa, he said, adding that the Green Legacy campaign will continue to scale up nationwide, reinforcing environmental protection efforts alongside economic progress.

“In Ethiopia, we expect growth of 10.2 percent by the end of this year. Over the next 25 years, we aim to move from a low-income economy to a globally competitive one anchored in productivity, industrialization, innovation and quality jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

He stressed that rapid expansion must be accompanied by structural transformation, noting that reforms in key sectors and sustained industrial investment are reshaping the foundations of the economy. Ethiopia, he said, is shifting “from dependency to production excellence.”

According to the premier, economic performance should not be measured by headline figures alone. He emphasized the importance of building skilled human capital to harness Africa’s demographic potential and ensure durable prosperity.

 

 

“Growth without transformation will not secure our future. Our young population must become a skilled, innovative and productive force,” he told leaders.

On environmental stewardship, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to climate conscious development through the Green Legacy Initiative.

“One expression of this is the Green Legacy Initiative. We have planted more than 48 billion trees, restored ecosystems and built a living legacy for future generations,” PM Abiy said.

He added that large scale reforestation efforts are being paired with urban environmental renewal.

Citing Addis Ababa’s riverside development, the Prime Minister said degraded riverbanks have been rehabilitated, flood risks reduced and public spaces improved to strengthen climate resilience in the capital.

PM Abiy argued that climate policy must be guided by justice, noting that the communities least responsible for environmental damage often face its harshest consequences.

He called for fair access to climate finance, expanded technology transfer and stronger partnerships aligned with equity principles.

The Prime Minister also recalled Ethiopia’s role in hosting the second Africa Climate Summit and preparations to host COP32, urging African countries to advance coordinated positions in global climate negotiations.

As Ethiopia pursues double digit growth, the premier said the country remains committed to balancing economic ambition with environmental responsibility, framing development and sustainability as inseparable pillars of its long-term vision.