African Delegates Witness Major Development Shift in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, November 15, 2026 (ENA)— African delegates attending the 23rd Conference on Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (COMSTEDA 23) have praised Ethiopia’s development progress, rich historical heritage and growing capacity to host major international events.

Approached by ENA on the sidelines of COMSTEDA 23, the delegates described Ethiopia as an inspiring example of Africa’s potential for homegrown development and continental cooperation.

Moreover, the participants highlighted Addis Ababa’s changing urban landscape, Ethiopia’s historical significance and its hospitality, while underscoring the importance of African countries building their own development capacities and strengthening cooperation across the continent.

Professor Benson Banda, President of Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education in Africa (SMASE-Africa), said his repeated visits to Ethiopia had allowed him to witness a remarkable transformation in the capital, particularly in urban infrastructure, cleanliness, connectivity and traffic management.

Banda said the progress he had observed over successive visits reflected a growing commitment to sustainable, locally driven development.

 

“The first time I came to Ethiopia, the area looked very underdeveloped. Over subsequent visits, I witnessed gradual progress, and now I see genuine sustainable development taking shape in Addis Ababa,” he said.

He stressed that Africa's development should be driven by the continent's own capacities, with local communities empowered to participate in and benefit from economic progress.

“This is what we need to focus on across the continent, creating what is our own, owned by ourselves,” Banda said, emphasizing that empowering local people ensures that the benefits of development remain within their communities.

“When you empower local people and they grow with you, that is true sustainable development because the benefits stay right here in Ethiopia. I give a thumbs-up to the shift I have seen in Ethiopia’s approach to development,” he added.

Beyond its development progress, Ethiopia’s historical legacy also left a strong impression on visiting delegates, particularly following their visit to the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum.

Zambian academician Cleopatra Songolo said the visit gave her a deeper appreciation of Ethiopia’s historic struggle to defend its sovereignty and its enduring significance in African history.

 

While she had long known Ethiopia as the only African country never colonized, Songolo said the museum offered a more profound understanding of the sacrifices behind that historic legacy.

“What I expected and what I experienced this morning were completely different. We had an excellent tour guide who explained what Ethiopia went through, including the roughly 20,000 Ethiopians who laid down their lives to defend the country’s sovereignty,” she said.

Songolo also described Ethiopia’s hosting of COMSTEDA 23 as an important demonstration of Africa’s capacity to organize and lead major continental gatherings.

She said such events create opportunities for African countries to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and increasingly look within the continent for solutions and opportunities.

“Hosting an event of this scale is a great achievement for Ethiopia. It encourages other African nations to recognize that we do not always have to look outside the continent. We can host and lead right here,” she said.

Ethiopia’s hospitality and conference arrangements also earned positive remarks from participants.

Arthur Tukakira, a Regional Trainer at Uganda’s Ministry of Education, said the smooth visa application process, facilitated through Ethiopian Airlines, and the warm reception upon arrival had exceeded his expectations.

 

“From the moment I applied to come and present at the conference, securing an online visa through Ethiopian Airlines was smooth, and we were warmly received upon landing,” he said.

Tukakira further expressed optimism about Africa’s development prospects, stressing that stronger cooperation among African countries and sustained investment in education are essential to realizing the continent’s ambitions.

“I believe we will get there. One day, the entire African continent will rise to where we aspire to be,” he said.

The delegates’ reflections underscore the importance of Ethiopia’s growing profile as a destination for continental gatherings, cultural and historical tourism, and broader African engagement, while highlighting the potential of homegrown development and stronger intra-African partnerships to advance the continent’s aspirations.