Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — May 11, 2026 | Horn News Hub
Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has said that ongoing media reforms have laid an important foundation for nation-building, while acknowledging both progress achieved and challenges that remain in the country’s evolving media landscape.
The statement was issued following a series of media-focused forums held in recent weeks under the theme “Media Progress for Narrative Building,” which reviewed sectoral developments and outlined expectations for future media practice in Ethiopia.
According to the Party, the media environment has undergone significant transformation over the past eight years, with expanded space for expression described as both a democratic opening and a corresponding responsibility. It noted that although notable progress has been achieved, the reform process has also faced shortcomings, which it said should be treated as lessons for strengthening professionalism and institutional capacity.
The statement called on media institutions to move away from polarization, hate speech, and divisive narratives, and instead prioritize truth-based reporting that strengthens national understanding and cohesion. It stressed that democratic practice is reinforced through the accommodation of differing and opposing views, rather than the dominance of a single narrative.
It further highlighted the growing role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in shaping modern information flows, urging media organizations to enhance analytical capacity and integrate technological tools into their work.
The Party also pointed to the government-developed “National Cloud” system as part of broader efforts to strengthen data organization, improve access to reliable information, and enhance national information security, describing it as an important component in safeguarding sovereignty in the digital era.
In addition, the statement emphasized the need for media institutions to play a more active role in countering misinformation and addressing emerging challenges in the digital information space, including psychological and information-based influence in the post-truth environment.
It called on media organizations to prioritize research-based journalism and focus on national development agendas, cautioning against sensationalism and short-term narratives.
The statement concluded by referencing remarks attributed to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, underscoring the importance of media contributing to constructive public discourse and long-term national development objectives rather than amplifying divisive or inflammatory content.
The ongoing reforms introduced under the reformist leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have also enabled the emergence of new independent and digital media institutions across Ethiopia. Among them is Horn News Hub, which obtained legal recognition and licensing as part of the country’s broader media liberalization process that expanded opportunities for digital journalism and new media participation in the national discourse.
Editor’s Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in articles published by Horn News Hub are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or editorial stance of Horn News Hub. Publication does not imply endorsement.
