Ethiopia Emerging as Trendsetter for Africa's Dev’t Transformation: NIERA Chairperson

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia is emerging as a trendsetter in Africa's development transformation through urban development, adoption of digital technologies and openness to multinational investment, Professor Amos Njuguna, Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) Chairperson said. 

The Chairperson of NIERA, a pan-African non-profit empowering decision-makers through evidence-focused evaluations, training, and policy outreach across Africa, also stressed need for accelerating the continent's integration agenda and generate African-led solutions to African problems.

Speaking to ENA, Professor Njuguna said Ethiopia's ongoing transformation offers valuable lessons for the continent as African countries work to address common socio-economic challenges through evidence-based policymaking and closer regional cooperation.

The Chairperson commended Ethiopia's efforts in urban development, adoption of digital technologies and its openness to multinational investment, noting that such initiatives are accelerating economic transformation.

"As a Kenyan, I admire the Ethiopian way," Professor Njuguna said, adding that the country's approach to urban development, use of technology and efforts to attract multinational companies have contributed significantly to advancing development.

He cited the operations of Safaricom Ethiopia as an example of how multinational investment can inject new dynamism into key sectors and support national development.

Ethiopia, as the home of the African Union and African diplomacy and the cradle of humankind, is well positioned to serve as a trend-setter for advancing solutions to the continent's shared development challenges, the professor stated.

According to the NIERA Chairperson, Africa's major challenges—including youth unemployment, food insecurity, health, water and sanitation, climate change and rapid urbanization—are common across the continent and require coordinated responses.

He stressed that research plays a pivotal role in identifying development challenges, designing practical solutions and supporting policymakers in making informed decisions.

"Resource allocation towards solving these problems should follow research findings," Professor Njuguna said, underscoring the importance of evidence-based policymaking.

He called for further strengthening collaboration among African researchers to establish common frameworks that support the continent's integration agenda and generate African-led solutions to African problems.

Professor Njuguna also stressed the need for advancing on the initiatives that facilitate the free movement of people, strengthen cooperation and create opportunities for countries to learn from one another while respecting their unique identities.

The African Union's Agenda 2063 relies heavily on self-reliance, pan-African drive, and home-grown strategies to achieve sustainable socio-economic transformation.