JOHANNESBURG: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressing the 16th BRICS Summit, emphasized the need for robust economic cooperation among BRICS nations, spanning various sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, energy, tourism, and artificial intelligence. He advocated for leveraging the collective strengths of member states to stimulate economic growth and address global challenges.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Prime Minister in his keynote address underscored the potential of intra BRICS trade, investment, and tourism to drive economic development that benefits member countries while serving as a model of cooperation. Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s role as a significant partner within the BRICS framework, citing its position as the third largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa and its abundant resources, such as a young workforce, vast arable land, and renewable energy.
Prime Minister Abiy cited Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms as pivotal in unlocking new growth opportunities. He also pointed to the
country’s Green Legacy Initiative, which involved planting 40 billion seedlings over six years, as evidence of its commitment to a climate-resilient economy. Additionally, he noted Ethiopia’s achievements in food security, becoming Africa’s largest wheat producer through increased agricultural productivity.
Abiy further elaborated on Ethiopia’s urban infrastructure projects, highlighting investments in smart cities and tourism development aimed at showcasing the nation’s cultural and historical assets to a global audience.