In a country where millions struggle to afford basic necessities, where war continues to devastate communities, and where public services are crumbling, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is embarking on an astonishingly extravagant project—a $15 billion palace. A project so massive, it accounts for 13.5% of Ethiopia’s entire GDP and nearly 53% of the country’s total public debt.
At a time when Ethiopia is facing one of its most challenging economic periods, this palace, modeled after global landmarks like the White House, stands as a testament to the government’s misplaced priorities. But what does this mean for ordinary Ethiopians? Let’s break it down.
Ethiopians Are Poorer Than Before
The Ethiopian people are not just struggling—they are worse off than they were during the EPRDF era. The economic downturn has left millions jobless, inflation is skyrocketing, and businesses are closing at an alarming rate. Foreign investment, once a driving force behind Ethiopia’s growth, has all but disappeared. The ongoing war has made the country too unstable for investors, yet the government is choosing to invest in luxury rather than addressing the economic crisis.
Imagine what $15 billion could do if it were spent on healthcare, education, infrastructure, or job creation. Instead, it is being funneled into a palace that benefits no one but the political elite.
Luxury Over Necessity: Who Really Needs a $15 Billion Palace?
Ethiopia’s national debt stands at approximately $28.5 billion, and instead of working to reduce it, the government is adding billions more to finance unnecessary projects. Alongside the palace, a $700 million corridor project is also in progress—another project that benefits only a few while the majority of the population faces poverty.
For comparison:
$15 billion could build thousands of schools, hospitals, and factories, creating jobs for millions.
$15 billion could lift millions of Ethiopians out of extreme poverty instead of funding luxury mansions.
$15 billion could fix Ethiopia’s crumbling roads and bridges rather than building a palace for the few.
War, Mismanagement, and Taxpayer Money Wasted
Ethiopia is not at peace. War has drained the economy, displaced millions, and left entire regions without basic necessities. Yet, instead of prioritizing peace and reconstruction, the government is using taxpayer money for war and unnecessary mega-projects.
The Ethiopian people are unknowingly funding this madness. Their hard-earned tax money is not being spent on schools, hospitals, or infrastructure. It is being pumped into a war machine and luxury real estate projects that serve no purpose other than to feed the ego of the ruling elite.
Corruption and the Contractor Scam
Behind every billion-dollar project in Ethiopia, there is a trail of corruption. The contractors selected for these mega-projects are often hand-picked by government insiders. They win massive government contracts without proper bidding, inflate costs, and take years to complete projects that should take months.
Public properties are demolished without compensation, forcing thousands of people into homelessness. Meanwhile, politically connected contractors continue to profit from inflated budgets and delayed projects.
This cycle is not new. We have seen how massive infrastructure projects take twice the estimated budget and years beyond the deadline—not because of technical difficulties, but because corruption is woven into the system. The $15 billion palace is just another example of this unchecked abuse of power.
A Leader Who Does Not Care About His People
A true leader prioritizes the needs of the people, especially in times of hardship. Abiy Ahmed, however, seems to be building monuments to himself while his people suffer. Instead of addressing food shortages, unemployment, or the housing crisis, he is focused on grandiose projects that serve only the political elite.
Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet its leader is spending billions on luxury projects. The people are losing jobs, businesses are closing, and yet—the government’s priority is a palace.
Conclusion: Ethiopia Deserves Better
Ethiopia’s economic crisis is real. The people are suffering. Foreign investment is disappearing. The war continues. And yet, $15 billion is being spent on a palace while millions go hungry.
Ethiopians deserve better. They deserve leadership that prioritizes their needs, not one that wastes resources on vanity projects. The palace is not just a building—it is a symbol of misplaced priorities, corruption, and a government that has abandoned its people.
The question remains: Will Ethiopians continue to accept this, or will they demand accountability?
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