Ethiopia: Ethiopia Charts Distinctive Path to Future Through Medemer - PM Abiy

What the report says

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia is pursuing a distinct development path built around Medemer, a philosophy he described as drawing on the country’s historical strengths while adapting useful ideas from the present. He made the remarks in Addis Ababa after being reelected as prime minister during the first regular session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives in the seventh parliamentary term, according to the Ethiopian News Agency report published by AllAfrica.

Abiy said the government views Medemer as an indigenous framework based on addition, synergy and collective strength. He argued that Ethiopian society has long reflected these ideas through trade, farming, pastoralism, mutual support and shared defense, and that the country has endured divisions and external pressure by balancing unity and diversity. He also said Ethiopia should modernize by building institutions from its own civilizational base rather than copying foreign models outright.

The prime minister linked the philosophy to recent policy choices, including a multisector economic strategy, reforms in macroeconomic policy and public services, and a broader push for digital transformation. He said progress has been made in digital finance, public services, identification and artificial intelligence, and that state-owned enterprises are being restructured to improve performance and reduce debt.

Abiy also pointed to heritage restoration, urban corridor development, environmental work under the Green Legacy campaign and agricultural expansion as examples of the approach in practice. He said these efforts are intended to support tourism, employment, investment and a more productive economy as Ethiopia seeks to modernize while preserving its historical identity.