Panel Discussion Underway in Dire Dawa on Transition from Dependency to Productivity

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 —A high-level panel discussion is underway in Dire Dawa under the theme “From Dependency to Productivity,” bringing together senior government officials, agricultural experts, and representatives from several regions of the country.

The panel prioritizes to deliberate on Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts in order to build a self-reliant and resilient economy.

The forum, organized by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, seeks to cultivate a productive society driven by shared commitment, national unity, and sustainable development.

Among the senior participating in the event are Minister Coordinator for Democratic System Building Center at the office of the Prime Minister, Bikila Hurisa, Roza Umar, Deputy Chief Administrator of the Harari Region and Ibrahim Yusuf, Government Chief Whip with the rank of Deputy Mayor in the Dire Dawa City Administration.

 

Also attending the forum are Mandefro Nigussie, Director General of the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), senior government leaders, and farmers from Dire Dawa, as well as the Somali, Harari, and Afar regions.

The discussion follows similar forums previously conducted in Adama and the Sidama Region, where participants exchanged experiences and best practices focused on accelerating the transition from dependency to productivity while reinforcing national dignity and self-sufficiency.

Participants emphasized that the achievements registered during Ethiopia’s recent reform years demonstrate the country’s growing ability to overcome dependency through coordinated national efforts and homegrown solutions.

During the ongoing reform period, Ethiopia has implemented a range of economic and institutional measures aimed at strengthening national resilience, expanding domestic productivity, and reducing long-standing dependence on foreign assistance.

 

Government initiatives have focused on increasing agricultural production, encouraging local manufacturing and investment, improving domestic revenue generation, and enhancing self-reliance in critical sectors including food security, energy, and public services.

Officials at the forum stressed that building a sustainable and shock-resistant economy requires continued reforms, efficient resource mobilization, and a firm commitment to economic independence and national productivity.