Ideas are the power of change, and intellectuals are agents of change. The change that intellectuals bring about within society leads a country toward prosperity. Therefore, intellectuals are expected to respect and cherish ideas, think deeply, read widely, solve problems, and search for solutions.
Today, as Addis Ababa University celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding, I was honored to present a guest lecture and engage in discussions on the role of Ethiopian intellectuals in comprehensive national issues. The Medemer State firmly believes that higher education institutions have an indispensable role in the country’s journey toward prosperity, and it is working to make this a reality. These institutions are expected to integrate teaching and learning, as well as research activities with technology and transform them into innovation and practical application. This plays a significant role in accelerating Ethiopia’s prosperity through combined capacity.
Robust Train Operations — A Record Since Commencement!
On December 29, 2025, EDR achieved a milestone by successfully operating a total of 14 trains (7 pairs), comprising 11 freight trains—including 4 outbound and 7 inbound services—and 3 passenger trains: one intercity, one international, and one special package/tourism train. This achievement reflects strong operational momentum, and we now look ahead with confidence toward planning and operating a 16-train, 8-train set in the near future.
A round of applause for those who made it possible—our EDR team is moving forward with commitment and enthusiasm.
The Honorable PM @narendramodi We extend our deepest gratitude for the sincere respect you have shown toward Ethiopia’s ancient civilization and the sovereignty of our people. 🇪🇹🤝🇮🇳
Together with PM @AbiyAhmedAli, you are writing a brilliant new chapter that elevates our historic bond to unprecedented heights.
Addis Ababa continues to shine as a global center of positive influence and unifying narratives.
#EthiopiaIndia #AddisAbaba.
Received H.E. @HassanSMohamud , President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, for a one-day working visit. We held a productive working lunch, continuing the discussions held over the past year and building on the progress made in strengthening our bilateral cooperation. Our exchange focused on advancing shared priorities and reaffirmed our mutual commitment to deeper partnership, regional stability, and development.
25 Years Strong! The Great Ethiopian Run is celebrating a quarter-century of promoting health and unity in Addis Ababa.
From children to the diplomatic community, this race brings everyone together. Thank you to our legendary and iconic athlete Haile Gebrselassie, organizers, and all stakeholders for a successful launch. We aim for top global recognition!
#GreatEthiopianRun #AddisAbaba . #Ethiopia
I have the distinct honor of welcoming His Excellency Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore.
Our meeting marks an important milestone in the relationship between our two countries as we continue to deepen cooperation in areas critical to our shared future. In particular, the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding on Skills Development and Carbon Credits Collaboration reflects our joint commitment to building resilient, future-ready workforces and advancing sustainable, low-carbon growth.
We are honored to continue this journey of friendship and collaboration with Singapore. There is tremendous potential to harness the strengths of our partnership through further practical cooperation, expanding trade and investment, developing smart transport and logistics, and strengthening collaboration in digital infrastructure, fintech, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Today, we officially handed over the model rural villages built through our Rainy Season Voluntary Scheme in the Halaba and Kembatta zones to their new residents. These villages mark a promising beginning in transforming the lives of our farmers. The houses are powered by solar energy, use biogas from animal waste for cooking, and include independent living spaces, toilets, and service quarters. Separate animal shelters have also been built, improving hygiene and living conditions. These Rural Corridor Villages will continue to expand as part of our vision to raise rural living standards. Over the past seven years, our Rainy Season Initiative has provided housing for those in need in cities. Now, through the Rural Corridors Initiative, we are extending this progress to rural areas. I encourage individuals, corporations, and members of the diaspora to support and participate in these efforts to enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
I also commend the leadership who completed the Hambericho Mountain stairs. a challenge I set during my last visit, accomplished impressively through local initiative in a very short time. Looking ahead, I urge local leadership to expand these model villages to 100 houses per zone by next year through collaboration with various stakeholders.
In Calub, Somali Region, we inaugurate the first phase of the Ogaden Liquified Natural Gas Project, with an annual production capacity of 111 million liters. At the same time, we launch the second phase, which will add a capacity of 1.33 billion liters per year. Beyond liquified natural gas, this facility also contributes significantly to energy generation, with a production capacity of 1,000 megawatts.
Importantly, the plant is not just a gas facility. It serves as a cornerstone of our food sovereignty efforts by providing essential input for fertilizer production. It also supplies critical resources for our energy and crypto-mining initiatives. Without a doubt, all the mega projects we inaugurated today in the Somali Region, collectively valued at USD 10 billion including associated infrastructure, will be carried through to completion, as we have always been committed to finishing what we start.