Medemer Emerges as Path to African Countries’ Collective Prosperity, Says Minister Bikila

Addis Ababa, November 6, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s Medemer philosophy has emerged as a powerful framework for harnessing African nations’ collective capabilities, driving national transformation and achieving shared prosperity, Bikila Hurisa told ENA.

Bikila, Coordinator for Democratic System Building with the rank of Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister, spoke on the sidelines of the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, emphasizing that Medemer is fundamentally rooted in cooperation, unity and synergy.

He noted that by embracing collective action, African countries can pool their resources and strengths to address common regional challenges and drive sustainable development across the continent.

Highlighting its broader significance, Bikila described Medemer as "the philosophy of cooperation, coming together, joining hands, and connecting the past, the present, and the future."

The Minister further elaborated that the philosophy has served as the guiding principle behind Ethiopia’s political, economic and social reforms over the past eight years.

He added that Ethiopia’s experience in implementing Medemer offers valuable insights for other African nations seeking to adapt its principles to their respective national contexts.

 

"This philosophy is not limited to Ethiopia and Ethiopians; it could serve as a strong springboard for all African countries to emulate and customize to their practical realities," Bikila said.

He explained that Medemer enables countries to pool their individual strengths, transforming fragmented national potential into collective capacity to pursue shared prosperity.

Beyond strengthening bilateral and continental ties, Bikila emphasized that realizing this vision requires political parties to rise above partisan differences and prioritize citizens’ welfare.

Reflecting on the summit’s theme: "Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of African Political and Economic Future," he noted that the participation of both governing and opposition parties underscores a growing commitment to national progress.

 

"Whatever idea you have, whatsoever ideology you are governed with, ultimately you have to work for the transformation of the lives of your citizens and the economic transformation of your people," he said.

Bikila further stressed that the true measure of a political party’s success lies in tangible improvements in citizens’ lives rather than electoral victories or the pursuit of political power.

"Governing for growth is beyond competition. Governing for growth is beyond an electoral cycle. It is beyond enjoying power," he said, underscoring the need for political parties to prioritize collective prosperity and a shared future.

 

Highlighting the importance of securing Africa’s long-term future, Bikila pointed to Medemer’s emphasis on connecting the past, present and future, particularly through preparing young people for leadership.

"The young generation is a real promise of the future of Africa," he said, urging political leaders and institutions to invest in the continent’s youth to help shape its future trajectory.

Empowering young people with clarity of thought and pragmatic approaches, he added, will ensure that future generations inherit strong, united, productive and prosperous African states.