The Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has faced growing skepticism after announcing the creation of over three million jobs within nine months. This claim, made during a two-day executive meeting, was widely reported by state-run media. However, given Ethiopia’s economic turmoil, including ongoing conflicts, such ambitious figures have questioned their accuracy.
The party also reported creating nearly 345,000 “foreign jobs” through remote work initiatives. While the government asserts significant progress, the unprecedented rise in job creation during such challenging times seems highly implausible.
The Prosperity Party also highlighted an impressive 134% increase in government revenue, even as the IMF provided Ethiopia with over $248 million in extended credit in mid-2024, tied to stringent conditions, including the devaluation of the Ethiopian birr.
While no details were provided on which sectors these jobs were created in or how they were distributed across the country, the party claimed that humanitarian aid needs had dropped by 86%. This statement contradicts reports indicating that areas like Amhara and Tigray still face growing humanitarian challenges.
Additionally, the Prosperity Party suggested a return to peace in many regions, but reports from local sources point to continuing unrest. In Amhara, Fano forces have launched counterattacks against government troops, and in Oromia, the OLA rebel group remains active. A U.S. Embassy advisory this week warned of potential outbreaks of violence in Addis Ababa, underscoring the ongoing instability in the country.
