Spotlight on our most important relationship in Africa: A look at “reform-minded” Ethiopian leader Abiy Ahmed: Ethiopia is being touted as one of Africa’s great success stories — not just economically, but politically and socially too — and many of the most glowing accolades fall at the feet of its charismatic new leader, Abiy Ahmed. David Pilling and Lionel Barber’s sweeping piece in the Financial Times paints a picture of a reformer looking to open his country’s market up and create jobs for a burgeoning population (102 mn and counting).

Establishing a regional power: Economic growth in Ethiopia over the last decade has been indicative of “remarkable progress,” increasing by more than 10% annually (up until last year when it dipped to 7.7%). Ahmed’s liberalization initiatives include a drive towards privatization, with a particular focus on the telecoms industry, continued growth in manufacturing and services, and the exploration of trade relationships amid a push to attract more FDI. Despite friction with Egypt over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the two countries have been looking in the last year at deepening ties, with some discussion of a tripartite investment fund being established with Sudan.

But can he live up to the promise? Ahmed has also attracted praise for ending 20 years of hostility with Eritrea, freeing 60,000 political prisoners (including all detained journalists), working with opposition politicians and appointing women to half his cabinet. But despite being “wildly popular” at home — and increasingly abroad — Ahmed still has his work cut out for him when it comes to fulfilling the political and economic expectations of a nation eagerly seeking jobs and opportunities.