Despite all the Challenges, Ethiopia’s Economy is Still Growing Strongly”: Tony Blair

“Despite all the challenges and issues Ethiopia’s economy is still growing strongly, still attracting a lot of foreign investment”, former Prime Minister of UK Tony Blair said.

The former Prime Minister and Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Tony Blair made the remark following the discussion with Prime Minister Hailemariam  Dessalegn in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia has continue to register strong economic growth over the past years in spite of the 2015 El Nino induced drought, which left millions of Ethiopians to be dependent on food aid.

Blair appreciated the progress that the Horn African country has made in various areas in spite of the challenges.

 “For those who watched Ethiopia for several decades, it is always important to remember how far Ethiopia has come today from where it was back in the 1980’s. I think this is important to recognize,” he appreciated.

Noting the importance to support this progress, he said his institute will continue to support Ethiopia specifically in delivery of basic services, and industrialization program, among other areas.

 “The one thing we do and try to help the government is to focus on basic issues of delivery; electricity, clean water, and waste management things that make a difference in those lives” he said.

Encouraging job creation, sustaining proper education and training as well as the industrialization are the other areas that the institute likes to provide support.

During the discussion Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn has briefed the former Prime Minister on the ongoing economic growth and the industrialization process.

“I was struck by the degree to which the Prime Minister is absolutely focused on how he makes the improvements in the country that will help the country move to the next level of development”, he added.

After having a thorough discussion both the Premier and Blair have agreed to strengthen the ongoing support extended by the Institute.

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has started supporting Ethiopia towards realizing goals related to industrialization since 2014.

source ena