President Taye Prioritises Sea Access, National Security, Institutional Reforms in Joint Legislative Address

President Taye Atskeselassie outlined Ethiopia’s national security and foreign policy priorities in his address to the joint session of Parliament and the House of Federation today, stating renewed efforts to "restore access to the Red Sea" and the country’s long-term security and economic strategy.

“The country is created between the Abay River and the Red Sea," said Taye, pledging continued diplomatic and peaceful engagement to secure a sea outlet "through regional cooperation" and trust-building among Nile Basin countries. "Its growth and decline are closely tied to these waters.”

The President presented four key priorities as "a people-centred national security framework safeguarding citizens’ rights and dignity; a foreign policy anchored in neighbourhood diplomacy and regional integration; balanced international engagement expanding Ethiopia’s global influence; and institutional reforms designed to ensure stability and continuity."

Taye hailed recent reforms as a “historic transformation” that ended years of decline and positioned the country for renewal. According to him, the economy grew by 9.2pc in the 2024/25 fiscal year, driven by strong performance in agriculture, manufacturing, and exports. He told Parliament agricultural output climbed 24.7pc to 1.57 billion quintals, while manufacturing capacity utilisation rose to 65.02pc. Gold production edged up to 39tns, and cement output reached 9.1 million tons.

Exports surged 115.8pc to 8.3 billion dollars, and bank lending expanded to 822.8 billion Br, with 77pc directed to the private sector. Inflation eased from 19.9pc in June 2024 to 13.9pc in June 2025, while the minimum wage for public employees increased from 4,760 Br to 6,000 Br. Fiscal discipline was maintained, with the 2024/25 budget executed without direct borrowing from the Central Bank.

Taye pledged the government’s push to build autonomous national institutions capable of withstanding political transitions. He disclosed the focus on strengthening intelligence and security agencies in the year ahead, ensuring "unity and stability" as the country prepares for the seven national elections.

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