The Tana Forum proves that Africa’s future must be forged through economic sovereignty - opinion

The 12th Tana High-Level Forum in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, concluded that Africa's future depends on self-reliance, regional economic integration, and homegrown security, not external aid. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed argued Africa cannot outsource its security and economic salvation. The forum highlighted Ethiopia's domestic resource mobilization, agricultural transformation, and renewable energy initiatives, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as a model. Energy diplomacy through cross-border electricity trading was presented as a tool for regional stability. The forum also called for direct climate adaptation support for African farmers.

The 12th Tana High-Level Forum in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, concluded that Africa's future depends on self-reliance, regional economic integration, and homegrown security, not external aid. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed argued Africa cannot outsource its security and economic salvation. The forum highlighted Ethiopia's domestic resource mobilization, agricultural transformation, and renewable energy initiatives, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as a model. Energy diplomacy through cross-border electricity trading via the Eastern Africa Power Pool was presented as a tool for regional stability. The forum also called for direct climate adaptation support for African farmers.