By LJDemissie
May 23, 2025
In recent years, Ethiopia has been at the crossroads of significant economic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. While the government has touted various reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and fostering growth, there is growing concern about the integrity of the economic narrative being disseminated to the public. A critical aspect of this concern revolves around the strategic use of non-economic experts to amplify a distorted view of the country’s economic health, thereby manipulating public perception and stifling dissent. This article argues that the misrepresentation of non-economists as economists by PM Abiy’s officials is not merely enabling misinformation but is a deliberate shaping of narratives that distort economic discourse, amounting to an institutional endorsement of false expertise.
Dedication to Ethiopia’s Protesting Doctors
The ongoing protests by Ethiopian doctors, demanding fair wages, improved working conditions, and recognition of their critical role in society, underscore the urgent need for transparent and accurate economic discourse. These healthcare professionals, who are on the front lines of public health, are grappling with economic policies that fail to address their basic needs, despite the government’s claims of economic progress. Their struggle is a poignant reminder of the human cost of misinformation and narrative control, where the voices of those most affected by economic decisions are often silenced or ignored. This article is dedicated to their cause, advocating for a more honest and inclusive economic dialogue that prioritizes the well-being of all Ethiopians, especially those who serve the nation selflessly.
The Role of Non-Economic Experts
The Ethiopian government has increasingly relied on individuals with backgrounds in finance or other related fields, rather than trained economists, to comment on and shape the economic discourse. These figures, often closely aligned with the government’s agenda, are presented as authorities on economic matters, despite lacking formal economic training. This practice serves a dual purpose: it lends a veneer of credibility to the government’s economic policies while sidestepping the critical scrutiny that might come from bona fide economists.
For instance, public forums and state-owned media outlets like the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and Fana Television frequently feature these non-experts, who echo the government’s optimistic projections and downplay the challenges faced by the populace. Their narratives often highlight generic GDP comparisons without context, statistical improvements such as reductions in inflation rates, or growth in specific sectors like Ethiopian Airlines, without addressing the nuanced macroeconomic impacts and the broader implications for ordinary Ethiopians. This selective presentation of data by non-economic experts creates a misleading picture of economic stability and progress, one that does not align with the lived experiences of many citizens.
Specific Examples of Misrepresentation
Consider the case of a prominent figure in the financial sector, who, despite not being an economist, has been consistently portrayed as an economic expert by state media and government officials for over fifteen years. This individual has used various international forums and social media platforms to amplify and exaggerate the government’s economic narrative, posting about promoting currency devaluations, increasing taxes, significant reductions in inflation rates, and projecting further declines, which align closely with official government statements.
However, these posts consistently overlook the rising costs of essentials and the broader economic challenges faced by Ethiopians, such as unemployment and currency devaluation. Notably, this individual forecasted Ethiopia’s 2025 GDP in 2012, predicting it would reach $472 billion. In contrast, the actual GDP for Ethiopia in 2025 is estimated at $120.91 billion, resulting in an overstatement of approximately 290.31%, calculated as the difference between the forecasted and actual GDP, expressed as a percentage of the actual value.
Another example involves this same figure’s participation in high-profile economic forums, where they are introduced as an economist (የምጣኔ ሀብት ባለሙያ) and invited to comment on complex economic policies. Their statements, which lack the depth and nuance of economic analysis, are nevertheless amplified by state media, creating a false impression of expertise. This misrepresentation is not accidental but part of a broader strategy to shape public perception and hype economic achievements, as evidenced by the individual’s close alignment with government policies, their frequent appearances in official economic discussions, and their role in managing public funds at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Control of the Economic Narrative
The control of the economic narrative is not merely a matter of presentation but a deliberate strategy to maintain political power. By dominating the discourse through state media and public events, the government ensures that its version of economic reality is the dominant one. This control is facilitated by the marginalization of independent voices, including economists and journalists who might offer a more critical perspective. The result is a monolithic narrative that leaves little room for dissent or alternative viewpoints.
State-owned media such as Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and Fana Television play a pivotal role in this process, consistently featuring government-aligned commentators and suppressing or ignoring contradictory evidence. This media strategy is part of a broader effort to shape public opinion, particularly in a context where economic stability is a key concern for voters and investors alike. The government’s ability to control the narrative is further enhanced by the geopolitical tensions and internal challenges that distract from economic scrutiny, allowing the administration to present its policies as the only viable path forward.
Institutional Endorsement of False Expertise
Prime Minister Abiy’s officials, including Fitsum Assefa Adela, Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Eyob Tekalign Tolina, Minister of Finance, and Mamo Mihretu Esmelealem Governor of National Bank of Ethiopia are not just enabling misinformation but are complicit in portraying non-economists as economists to spread hype and misinformation. This is more than misleading; it’s an institutional endorsement of false expertise. For example, government spokespersons and policy advisors have publicly endorsed these figures, granting them platforms at national economic forums and ensuring their views are amplified through state media. This endorsement is not accidental but a calculated move to shape narratives that distort economic discourse, thereby maintaining control over public perception.
The complicity of PM Abiy’s officials is evident in their active promotion of these non-experts, often through directives that prioritize political messaging over accurate economic analysis. This systemic pattern suggests a deliberate strategy to manipulate the economic narrative, which undermines the credibility of economic policy and erodes public trust. The institutional endorsement of false expertise is particularly damaging in a context where economic stability is crucial for public welfare, as it diverts attention from real issues and fosters a false sense of security.
The Impact on Public Trust
The reliance on non-economic experts and the manipulation of economic narratives have profound implications for public trust. When the information disseminated does not reflect the reality on the ground—such as rising costs of living, unemployment, and currency devaluation—it erodes confidence in both the government and the media. This disconnect between official reports and personal experience fosters skepticism and disillusionment among the populace, particularly among low-income earners who are most affected by economic policies.
Moreover, the use of non-experts to comment on complex economic issues can be seen as a form of deception. It suggests a lack of transparency and accountability, as the government appears to prioritize political messaging over accurate economic analysis. This deception is compounded by the fact that these individuals often have vested interests in maintaining the status quo, whether through personal gain or alignment with government objectives.
Comparative Context
This phenomenon is not unique to Ethiopia but is part of a global trend where political actors use media and public figures to shape perceptions. In countries like Venezuela and Turkey, similar tactics have been employed, where non-experts are elevated to comment on economic policies, often to distract from underlying issues. However, Ethiopia’s situation is distinct due to its recent push for democratic reforms and the heightened sensitivity around economic stability in the Horn of Africa. The comparison highlights the universality of narrative control but also underscores the specific risks in Ethiopia, where economic misinformation can exacerbate regional tensions and internal challenges.
Conclusion
The manipulation of Ethiopia’s economic narrative through the misrepresentation of non-economists as economists by PM Abiy’s officials is a troubling development that undermines public trust and democratic discourse. It reflects a broader strategy of misinformation and control, where the government’s political agenda takes precedence over transparency and accuracy. As Ethiopia navigates its economic challenges, it is imperative that the public and international community demand greater accountability and ensure that economic discussions are led by qualified experts rather than political proxies.
This article is dedicated to the cause of Ethiopia’s protesting doctors, whose struggle for fair pay and better working conditions exemplifies the need for an honest and inclusive economic dialogue that prioritizes the well-being of all Ethiopians. Only then can the true state of the economy be assessed, and meaningful reforms be implemented to benefit all, including those who serve the nation selflessly in the healthcare sector.
Writer LJ Demissie can be contacted at LJDemissie@yahoo.com or @LJDemissie on X.
