H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Reforming Ethiopia’s Diplomacy
In Part Three of his interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed outlined key elements of Ethiopia’s ongoing diplomatic reform agenda, offering a clear and forward-looking vision for the future of the country’s foreign affairs sector.
He noted that @MFAEthiopia is home to many experienced and wise professionals who have served the nation with distinction. However, he emphasized that this institutional knowledge must be activated and shared in meaningful ways – not merely preserved in procedural formalities. “Experience must be shared to become fruitful,” he remarked, calling for a shift beyond traditional political processes and protocol.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the structural challenges that can hinder meaningful change, observing that a new vision requires a progressive and adaptive institutional framework. Even when the ambition for reform exists, outcomes may remain constrained if the underlying structures are not renewed.
The reform is already underway. A new cohort of young leaders – competitively and carefully selected – is being integrated into the Ministry. These emerging diplomats are undergoing targeted trainings both at home and abroad, with a sharpened focus on strengthening economic diplomacy, technological literacy, and multilingual competence – particularly in Arabic, Chinese, French, and English – to better serve Ethiopia’s expanding global engagement.
While results may take time to fully materialize, there is growing confidence that, within the next two to three years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will evolve into a more capable, modern, and responsive institution – one that honors Ethiopia’s diplomatic heritage while embracing the demands of a rapidly shifting international order.
IFA is proud to contribute to this national transformation. As a key stakeholder in Ethiopia’s diplomatic reform, we are equipping the next generation of Foreign Service leaders through comprehensive, digitally enhanced pre-service and in-service training – preparing them not only to boldly represent Ethiopia abroad, but to actively shape the future of diplomacy itself.