Addis Ababa: The Prosperity Party (PP), which is the largest political party in Africa and led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s political landscape. As the ruling party, it is tasked with guiding the country through a complex period of development, reconciliation, and nation-building.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the party’s second congress, held in Addis Ababa over the past three days, marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s trajectory. It serves as a platform for discussing the nation’s future political, economic, and social strategies and as an opportunity for external observers and partners to assess Ethiopia’s development and international standing.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the importance of the congress in shaping Ethiopia’s future. By highlighting the democratic and inclusive nature of the event, he reinforced his vision of a party that mirrors the country’s diversity.
This commitment is crucial in a nation with over 80 ethnic groups, each with distinct historical and cultural identities. The party has showcased its inclusive nature by engaging all segments of society from every part of the country, building strong confidence among Ethiopians. PP has been registering remarkable membership growth, now reaching 15.7 million, reflecting strong political engagement and the party’s unifying influence.
Prime Minister Abiy described the first five years as a “take-off phase,” marked by overcoming significant challenges and laying the groundwork for future growth. The government expects accelerated development in the coming years, particularly in infrastructure, economic growth, and social cohesion.
The Prosperity Party has made strides in political reform, shifting toward peace and stability. Since its formation, the party has worked to overcome Ethiopia’s political divisions, unifying various factions to foster national unity. The party has also encouraged political dialogue, bringing opposition groups into the fold.
In terms of economic reform, the Prosperity Party has focused on industrialization, investing in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. The country has seen increased foreign investment, particularly in textiles and garment manufacturing, and there has been a push to modernize agriculture.
The privatization of state-owned enterprises, including Ethiopia’s telecommunications industry, aims to boost competition and attract foreign investment.
The peace agreement signed to end the Tigray conflict was a landmark achievement. The deal highlighted the party’s diplomatic efforts and willingness to negotiate, helping restore Ethiopia’s international standing. The Prosperity Party has also strengthened its global alliances and attracted new international partners, positioning Ethiopia as a key player in the Horn of Africa.
In social reforms, the Prosperity Party has focused on improving education and healthcare, especially in rural regions. New schools and health facilities have been built, and significant progress has been made in reducing maternal and child mortality. The party has also worked to increase women’s participation in politics and leadership roles.
Environmental sustainability is another priority, with the Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019, aiming to combat deforestation and climate change through massive tree planting efforts. Ethiopia has also invested in renewable energy, notably through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is expected to enhance the country’s energy capacity. The Prosperity Party has also embraced digital transformation, investing in tech hubs and expanding internet connectivity. A key achievement was the opening of the telecommunications market, with foreign companies like Safaricom entering Ethiopia, enhancing competition and improving service delivery.
The Prosperity Party’s congress is not only a national event but also a significant point of engagement for Ethiopia’s continental and international allies. The speeches from representatives of various political parties, including South Sudan’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), Rwanda’s Patriotic Front (RPF), and Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AK), underscored Ethiopia’s central role in regional, continental, and global politics.
The representatives expressed their strong support for the Prosperity Party, praising Ethiopia’s leadership and its contributions to African unity and progress.
Peter Lam Both, Secretary-General of South Sudan’s SPLM, commended the Prosperity Party for its efforts in national transformation. He specifically highlighted the infrastructure developments in Addis Ababa as a symbol of the party’s commitment to modernization. He also pointed to the strong bilateral ties between South Sudan and Ethiopia, especially in education, infrastructure, and joint development projects. Lam Both emphasized the success of the scholarship program, which has sent 632 South Sudanese students to Ethiopia in a single year, as a testament to the robust educational and cultural exchange between the two nations. He noted that both countries share common historical experiences and face similar challenges, particularly in peace-building and nation-building, making their partnership essential for overcoming the legacies of conflict and fostering long-term stability.
Noxolo Kiviet from South Africa’s ANC reflected on the shared struggles and successes between South Africa and Ethiopia, particularly in their pursuit of peace and development. She also highlighted South Africa’s forthcoming G20 presidency, which would focus on advancing the African agenda, reinforcing the importance of solidarity among African nations.
Rwanda’s RPF Secretary-General, Wellars Gasamagera, expressed deep gratitude for Ethiopia’s support during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This historical bond between the two nations underscores the value of mutual support and cooperation, especially in the areas of governance, security, and human rights.
AK Party (Justice and Development Party) Deputy Chairman Zafer Sirakaya’s address reinforced the growing relationship between Ethiopia and Turkey. He emphasized Turkey’s ongoing commitment to Ethiopia’s development across sectors such as trade, education, and infrastructure. Sirakaya also underscored the shared historical and cultural ties between the two countries, particularly their mutual respect for sovereignty and independence, which forms the foundation of their partnership in promoting regional stability and development in the Horn of Africa.
Similarly, Emmanuel Nchimbi, Secretary-General of Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), spoke about the importance of regional cooperation to address global challenges, such as climate change, security, and economic inequality. The strong relationship between Tanzania and Ethiopia is pivotal for broader East African integration, and their commitment to tackling these challenges collectively is crucial for ensuring the region’s stability and prosperity.
The second congress of the Prosperity Party is believed to play a key role in shaping Ethiopia’s future. It is a platform for policy discussions and an opportunity to transition from the “take-off phase” to the next level, which further expedites ongoing economic development, national security, social inclusion, and Ethiopia’s role in regional and global affairs.
The Prosperity Party has made notable progress in Ethiopia’s political, economic, and social landscape over the past five years. Despite challenges, the party’s focus on economic reforms, peace-building, infrastructure development, and international diplomacy has positioned Ethiopia for growth and regional influence. As the country moves from rebuilding to accelerated development, the decisions made at this congress will have lasting implications for Ethiopia’s future. The party’s inclusive vision, leadership, and commitment to sustainable development will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s trajectory and its place in the global community.
