The initiative to realize $30 billion worth of mega-projects is the cumulative outcome of leadership commitment and a visionary leader," asserts Professor Brook Hailu.
These massive ventures, which Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed unveiled during the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Guba, are being hailed as harbingers of a new era.
In an interview with Ethiopian Radio's "Voice of Ethiopia" program, Professor Brook Hailu—a veteran diplomat and political science scholar stated that these colossal projects are a blueprint for Ethiopia's future growth and stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity.
The scholar commended Prime Minister Abiy, saying he has completed and launched projects that remained untouched for the past century, attributing this success to steadfast leadership commitment and a clear national vision.
The $30 billion portfolio of mega-projects includes a new airport in Bishoftu, natural gas production facilities, a fertilizer factory, large-scale housing construction, and the development of nuclear power.
According to Professor Brook, each project is designed to significantly enhance Ethiopia’s overall production capacity. He contends that this will cement the nation's economic supremacy and substantially raise its global influence.
The Professor highlighted the potential to save substantial foreign currency currently spent on importing energy and fertilizer, making those funds available for other crucial development initiatives.
He also emphasized the necessity of learning from self-sufficient energy nations, citing Russia and China as key examples that generate billions of dollars solely from energy exports.
"Completing these projects means a shift from import dependency to a position of an exporter, which will fundamentally transform the country's national image."
Finally, Professor Brook underscored that to achieve the promised mega-projects, the public must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the government and fulfill its part in every necessary endeavor.
