Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) inaugurated a new ceramics factory in Mojo today, using the occasion to issue a powerful call for Ethiopia to achieve economic independence through domestic production, hard work, and national unity. Emphasizing that the nation can no longer rely on imported goods, the Prime Minister declared, "We cannot transform a country while carrying stones," asserting that producing construction inputs domestically is a non-negotiable priority for Ethiopia’s development.
Reflecting on the country’s industrial trajectory, the Prime Minister noted that the success of projects like the Lemi Cement Factory has already played a critical role in market stabilization. He highlighted that further expansion at the Dangote Cement Factory, set to be completed in three to four months, along with new developments like the Bishoftu metal factory, will bolster the construction sector. He pointed to the factory inaugurated today—which was completed in just nine months—as concrete evidence that any great mission can be accomplished when there is a commitment to diligent, hard work.
Beyond large-scale industry, the Prime Minister challenged the local community in East Shewa to transform the agricultural sector. He argued that by shifting to modernized, mechanized farming and scaling up daily production of milk and eggs to the tune of millions, farmers could earn incomes comparable to those of factory workers. He encouraged both the youth and farmers to abandon unproductive mindsets specifically criticizing the habits of idling on streets and fleeing rural areas for cities and instead become active, productive contributors to the economy.
Addressing the broader social landscape, the Prime Minister called on the residents of East Shewa, Mojo, Bishoftu, and Adama to move past parochialism and internal divisions. He urged citizens to heed the counsel of Abba Gadasand community elders, emphasizing that peace and unity are the essential foundations for the country’s ongoing development.
The Prime Minister concluded his message by addressing the fundamental questions of unemployment and slow development, stating that these issues require a clear examination of their root causes. He reiterated that progress is not a passive outcome but a result of active effort, urging all citizens to prioritize the nation’s growth. "Since change is impossible without work," the Prime Minister stated, "let us strive for work, peace, and unity."
