Addis Ababa — Ethiopia’s advancements in infrastructure, urban development, agricultural transformation, and climate resilience have earned praise from African experts, who note that the country is providing actionable lessons for the continent’s development agenda.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, Clement Adjorlolo, Principal Programme Officer for Agriculture and Rural Transformation at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), described Ethiopia’s evolution over the past decades as extraordinary.
He emphasized that progress in infrastructure, connectivity, and hospitality has been central to the country’s advancement.
“I have visited Ethiopia. When I first saw Addis Ababa in 1999, I witnessed what can only be described as true transformation,” he stated.
Adjorlolo noted that Ethiopia’s infrastructure and connectivity, particularly the extensive network of Ethiopian Airlines, have significantly enhanced Addis Ababa’s accessibility for business and other engagements.
He added that improvements in the hospitality sector are further driving economic activity and tourism.
Adjorlolo stated that the country offers a diverse array of opportunities across multiple sectors, which is stimulating broader economic growth.
“Ethiopia offers a comprehensive package that investors and consumers will choose, whether in agriculture, information, or the numerous other sectors the country has to offer,” he remarked.
He further asserted that Africa is progressing in the right direction, just as Ethiopia is.
Paul Guthiga, Head of the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) unit at AKADEMIYA2063, emphasized that Ethiopia’s investments in urban development hold significant relevance for Africa’s future, especially as the continent experiences rapid urbanization.
Speaking to ENA, Guthiga pointed out that with over half of Africa’s population projected to reside in urban areas in the coming decades, nations must prioritize urban infrastructure, housing, recreational spaces, and public transit.
“Investing in the manner Ethiopia is doing is crucial,” he stated.
He also underscored the necessity of linking urban centers with rural production zones, observing that while cities serve as primary consumption hubs, much of Africa’s food supply will continue to originate from rural areas.
According to Guthiga, robust urban-rural connections can establish immediate markets for farmers, boost productivity, and enable rural producers to secure better prices, all while ensuring that urbanization-driven development does not marginalize rural communities.
He concluded that Ethiopia’s approach to developing both urban and rural areas concurrently is essential for achieving inclusive growth.
Alex Bambona, Assistant Commissioner for Food and Nutrition Security at Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, also pointed to Ethiopia’s experiences as valuable lessons for other African nations.
He specifically highlighted Ethiopia’s achievements in building resilience and adapting to climate change, commending the country’s strong performance in this domain.
Bambona cited Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative and its planned new airport as key developments reflecting the nation’s commitment to resilience and climate adaptation.
The experts collectively highlighted Ethiopia’s strides in infrastructure, urban development, urban-rural integration, agricultural policy execution, and climate resilience as instructive models for other African countries.
