There are ambitious plans in place to transform Ethiopia into a middle income country within 20 years. Is it at all possible given the scale and depth of poverty currently observed in our country? Capital’s Society page this week explores this issue.

By Lekbir Taffesse

Middling Prospects

Comparing the present Ethiopia to the past one can easily see that Ethiopia has grown at a fast rate showing very visible changes. The current economy of this country despite the political issues is considered to be promising with construction of roads, schools and clinics, facilitation of water and electricity access and many other activities underway. This says a lot about Ethiopia's growth by its self.
It is noted that for the past three years Ethiopia has been showing 10% growth rate consecutively. And that is considered as an outstanding out come. This 10% growth rate has shown a lot of progress in the country's economy. And this is a thing that needs to be appreciated and recognized by every one. But at the same time the current developmental works are what needs to be encouraged. All has to come together for this result repetition and continuity.
But the question is what is needed to turn the country into a middle income state? In my opinion the major things that a country requires to become a middle income state are as follows: First and for most we need to sustain our growth rate because, growth rate fluctuation by is self can cause a serious harm on the economic capacity of a country. Secondly, we need to work on decreasing the inflation rate and stabilizing prices. While thirdly, ensuring that the growth benefits starts to make some changes in the life of the people: i.e. allowing it to reach every part of the country and section of society. By which the result will not only be positive but also life saving.
Well, considering the difficulty of achieving the last two points in the above paragraph, it does not seem to be a short time before Ethiopia gets there. But surly it's not only expected that Ethiopia will reach there but it's also a definite fact.

How soon will Ethiopia become a
middle income country?

Personally, I cannot really tell when but my guess is after 15 or 20 more years. Because the people of this country are so much bothered about the political issues like HR 2003 rather than working.

Abraham- Manager

I doubt that tomorrow will be better than today let alone imagine us being a middle-income country. wasnt it only 19 years ago that our Prime Minister said that we will have a future where every one will at least have three meals a day yet today, there are many that do not even have one meal. Therefore, I strongly doubt it!

Alemayehu - Sales Person

Well, probably after 10 to 15 years. Because, it is only the superficial bureaucracies and our lack of dedication to our work that is standing in our way. Nevertheless, I am sure that if we get rid of it we will get there even sooner than we think.

Mahder - Lecturer

The presence of an unstable political system and our different cultures are the main obstacles to our developmental work and it will kill any kind of beginnings that Ethiopia might have had towards development. So, it is hard to guess because we have a lot on our plate that we need to deal with.

Netsanet – Teacher

For me it is not very soon because unless and other wise we get to have a change in our political arena we have no chance of developing. This is so for the reason that we need peace and stability and it is after that we get to work on our weaknesses. Therefore, if all is work out in peace we will have a better chance at it.

Melaku-Artist

Well, in my opinion I think we will not get the chance to see Ethiopia even approaching to being a middle-income country. However, maybe in the imminent millennium our grand children or our great grand children will get a chance to see Ethiopia be a middle-income country.

Niguse-Sales person

You know it is funny that you ask this question because it was not so long a go that I was asking my self that. Last month I had some thing which required me to go to one of the governmental offices, as it is standard procedure. I thought that I would finish up with in a day but it turned out it took the whole month. It it this type of administration that will get us to growth and betterment that we aspire? If so, we might as well say that day is never to come let alone ask our selves how soon.

Marta-Business Women

Wow, this is an intriguing question. I think we will get there soon if we continue at the pace that we are right now. There may be no reason why we won’t reach that level very soon. I affirm that if every one as a part of the society promises to work even harder then there will be a sudden growth in the economy.

Lydia-Manager