The Battle of Adwa was fought 130 years ago on March 1, 1896, between the Ethiopia and Italy. Under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II, Ethiopian forces decisively defeated the Italian army, which sought to expand its colonial control over Ethiopia. The historic victory at Battle of Adwa reshaped global history & inspired anti-colonial movements across Africa & the African diaspora.
On 2 March 2026 we celebrate with a theme “Adwa 130: Glorious Past, Radiant Horizon.” Adwa is not only Ethiopia’s pride, it is Africa’s legacy. It empowered all blacks in the world to rise for their right. Ethiopia became the only African country to maintain its independence during the Scramble for Africa, remaining a symbol of pride for Black people around the world. The victory was a testament to the Ethiopians’ non-subordination; a confirmation of the equality of all human beings; a monument to the glory of its heroic ancestors.
Just as Ethiopia’s gallant ancestors overcame the European colonial ideology and practices through unity in diversity, rising above poverty and technological challenges, today Africa too must re-embrace the values of Adwa by overcoming poverty and promoting regional cooperation. Ethiopia recognizes that economic diplomacy is the center piece to defend national interest. Ethiopia has strong desire to grow alongside neighboring countries; Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access through diplomatic means aims to enhance the significance of the Adwa victory, which is the history of Africa. We will also solidify this historic victory when we break the economic problem that our country has; and when we are able to chart a path for joint prosperity with our neighbors.
One of the reasons Ethiopia has raised the request for a sea access is to break geographical confinement and avoid being locked. A country with a population of over 130 million people not only needs to own a sea access but also needs to have an alternative port. However, the fact that it has been forced to lose its port through political intrigue has become a stumbling block to overall national development and prosperity. Furthermore, this issue reflects fairness and is founded on the principle that the natural resources of our region should be equitably shared with neighbors, promoting a win-win approach. This is a matter of Ethiopia’s ensuring its benefits in the regional trade system in accordance with international law, not a desire to encroach on the sovereignty of others.
In the current era, Ethiopia continue to protect its national interests by fighting and defeating forces that are trying to hinder its efforts to utilize its natural resources like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam to its enrichment. Ethiopia is a country that is working hard to realize its vision of creating an economically prosperous and democratic Ethiopia, to become an African symbol of prosperity by 2035, and to become one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2050. Achieving this vision necessitates connection with neighboring countries through infrastructure projects such as electricity networks and railways, transforming the unity celebrated at Adwa into modern economic diplomacy, strengthen cultural and people-to-people relations.
In the spirit of unity that Adwa embodies, the Ethiopian army continued for the participation of international peacekeeping mission that began in Korea in 1951 has grown and expanded to include Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia that reflects Ethiopia’s dedication to promoting the regional peace and stability.
Ultimately, the legacy of Adwa transcends its historic context; it serves as the foundation for Africa’s future. Just as Adwa united Ethiopians, we must strive for deeper regional integration and cooperation to create a prosperous continent for all. Let us honor the past by working together toward a brighter, unified future.
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