Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has announced that Ethiopia’s projected 10.2% economic growth this year is being realized primarily through the industrial sector and the high level of momentum generated by the "Made in Ethiopia" movement. The Prime Minister shared these remarks while officially opening the fourth "Made in Ethiopia" Expo 2018 E.C. over the weekend, noting that although the movement began only four years ago, the rapid increase in the variety and quality of local products demonstrates a growing capacity to meet national needs. He pointed out that the narrowing gap between the government's estimate and the 9.2% growth projection by the World Bank and IMF, which positions Ethiopia as a leader in Africa, validates the tangible shift occurring within the industrial sector.

Prime Minister Abiy underscored that manufacturing is directly tied to national sovereignty, emphasizing that producing essential items like fertilizer, improved seeds, fuel, and gas domestically is critical to ending dependency and securing food and economic independence. He cautioned that a nation remains vulnerable when its needs are met by the goodwill of others, citing recent fuel and gas supply challenges as a consequence of failing to extract domestic resources despite their availability. Asserting that a country dependent on imports, aid, and food assistance cannot claim to be truly free or sovereign, he urged the "Made in Ethiopia Family" to work with determination to uphold national honor.

Prime Minister Abiy also described the expo as a showcase of Ethiopian creativity and a significant educational resource, calling on students and teachers to visit and gain knowledge. He concluded by challenging all industrial actors to sustain the movement through diligence and unity to ensure a sovereign and respected nation is passed on to the next generation.