Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed(PhD) has stated that Ethiopia is setting an international benchmark by appointing nine women among its twenty-two ministers.
Members of the House of Peoples' Representatives have noted that the cabinet nominations presented by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed represent a novel and exemplary approach to leadership appointments within federal institutions, grounded in transparent criteria, rigorous oversight, and proven competence.
In his briefing and concluding remarks to the House, the Prime Minister explained that the selection of cabinet members was not a routine reshuffle, but a carefully considered process centered on public interest, studied over months, and subjected to stringent criteria.
The Prime Minister emphasized that leaders were appointed only after meeting fundamental requirements and undergoing rigorous evaluations. Educational background, work experience, and execution capacity served as core criteria, assessing each nominee's level of education, prior experience, capability for close follow-up, and efficiency in delivering results.
Highlighting the spirit of duty, humility, and servant leadership, the Prime Minister stated that power is merely a hat rather than the head itself, capable of being removed or discarded at any moment. He stressed that leadership must remain humble, pure in both hands and heart, and view appointment not as a mark of prestige, but as a profound responsibility.
Addressing intelligence-backed anti-corruption monitoring and enforcement, he noted that over the past year, the activities of nominees both domestically and abroad, their associations with business figures, and the circumstances of their families had been subjected to high-level classified surveillance. Individuals who failed to cleanse their surroundings of corruption or disregarded tip-offs did not meet the eligibility thresholds.
Prior to their assignments, the nominees underwent intensive strategic training and recurring examinations for a consecutive month and a half, sleeping only two to three hours per night. Significant efforts were also made to ensure inclusivity and representation regarding gender, religion, and ethnicity within the cabinet composition, with the Prime Minister highlighting that nine women out of twenty-two ministers serves as a decisive milestone that sets an example even for the international community.
The Prime Minister underscored that cabinet appointments are not permanent and will continue to depend strictly on performance and tangible delivery, warning that any leader who fails to produce results or honor public trust will be replaced within twenty-four hours upon the acquisition of concrete evidence.
Ultimately, this cabinet selection process, anchored in clear standards, strict intelligence oversight, and competence assessments, is regarded as a best practice for enforcing accountability and effectiveness across federal institutions, and one that will continue to be reinforced moving forward.
