Ethiopia Exemplifies Self-Reliance, Transformative Energy Policies: Former AUC Chairperson

Addis Ababa, October 27, 2026 (ENA)— Former African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has lauded Ethiopia as a definitive model for continental progress.

She cited the nation’s commitment to homegrown development and bold energy policies as a masterclass in national self-determination.

Speaking to ENA in Moscow ahead of the Russia-Africa Summit, Dlamini-Zuma reflected on the essential role Ethiopia plays as the diplomatic "capital of Africa."

Having led the AU from its Addis Ababa headquarters between 2012 and 2017, she noted that the nation bears a unique responsibility to lead by example.

She argued that Ethiopia must remain at the forefront of the "Africa We Want"—an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous continent driven by its own citizens.

Dlamini-Zuma identified a lack of internal confidence as the primary obstacle to African development. She pointed to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as the ultimate symbol of breaking the cycle of waiting for foreign intervention.

"One of the things that impressed me about Ethiopia…(is) how you built, as Ethiopians, you built the Renaissance Dam without waiting for outsiders to come and do the work. For me, that was very important, because a lot of countries in Africa are not developing because they are waiting for outsiders to come and develop them," she stated.

She challenged other African leaders to adopt this mindset, emphasizing that true progress requires an unwavering belief in local capacity.

"Because if we don't have confidence in ourselves and don't believe in ourselves, we'll never go anywhere far," she added.

Beyond large-scale infrastructure, Dlamini-Zuma highlighted Ethiopia’s rapid urban evolution as evidence of the power of energy sovereignty.

Having recently visited Addis Ababa, she noted the visible, fast-paced transformation of the city, attributing this success to the country’s proactive energy initiatives.

"I've been to Addis recently, and I can see it's changing very fast. And it shows that when you have energy, there is a lot you can do," she remarked.

She specifically praised the Ethiopian government’s pioneering decision to ban the import of petrol and diesel vehicles. This policy, she noted, positions the nation at the forefront of the global green energy transition.

"I think they're the only country in Africa, I don't know about in the world, that has banned the import of petrol and diesel cars. So, those are some of the things that I can mention in this short space of time," she noted.

As leaders gathered in Moscow to discuss the future of the Russia-Africa partnership, Dlamini-Zuma’s message served as a rallying cry for self-reliance.

She framed Ethiopia’s achievements as a replicable template for the entire continent.