Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stated that the overall development and economic growth Ethiopia has registered over the past few years have practically proven the Oromo people’s great capacity to build, lead, and develop a nation. During an interview with OBN, the Prime Minister noted that the comprehensive change achieved in the country has garnered significant recognition and admiration, both in East Africa and on a global scale. He explained that this success was realized because the public was able to think and work systematically, driven by a paradigm shift in mindset and the creation of strong coordination between the government and the people.
Highlighting recent economic strides, the Prime Minister pointed out that the Oromia region’s budget has seen exponential growth. While the region’s budget in the 2010 Ethiopian calendar year was around 50 billion Birr, the approved budget for the current fiscal year has surged to 274 billion Birr. This massive increase has enabled the expansion of development initiatives, the improvement of social and economic services, and the acceleration of urban growth and infrastructure development.
Recalling the state of cities six and seven years ago, the Prime Minister described how urban centers were previously built haphazardly without any planning or order, with roads that were not even suitable for pedestrians. "Today, however, our cities such as Bishoftu, Adama, Jimma, Robe, Maya, Nekemte, and Shashemene have transformed their status and image by becoming centers for job creation, commercial activity, and wealth generation," he said. He added that urban expansion is actively addressing public demands by ensuring proper service delivery and the provision of schools, health centers, and infrastructure. Although this historic transformation may not yet fully answer all the demands of the Oromo people, he noted that it has successfully provided immense hope and a clear direction forward.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this great victory was achieved through continuous struggles, sacrifices, and hard work. Touching upon how the Oromo identity and its contributions were historically marginalized, he explained that the misconception that the Oromo cannot develop and administer a nation has been practically dismantled. He proudly stated that they have demonstrated in practice the capability to develop Ethiopia, lead the nation, usher in an era of change, and accomplish work that the world admires. These results, registered across industry, tourism, agriculture, and urban development, are the outcomes of harmonizing the legacy of forefathers and the values of the Gadaa system with new knowledge and wisdom.
Concluding his remarks on the economy, the Prime Minister indicated that expansive development initiatives are underway not only in agriculture but across all sectors. He cited the staggering growth in agricultural production volume, jumping from 163 million quintals to 550 million quintals, as a massive and deeply encouraging achievement for the nation.
