Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has stated that involving scholars in national affairs is a formal policy direction of the "Medemer"government, rather than an act of permission.

Speaking at the 75th anniversary of Addis Ababa University, the Prime Minister noted that no previous Ethiopian government has exposed its economic reforms or theories to the criticism and scrutiny of intellectuals as his has.

"We have written and presented our ideas; it is the work of scholars to read, criticize, refine, and create the discourse,"Dr. Abiy said. He added that the government's efforts to create a multi-sectoral and multi-actor economy have been effective, but emphasized that success requires the active participation of scholars, the private sector, and the public.