During the reign of Haile Selassie from 1930 to 1974, Ethiopia experienced a shift towards a more free-market economy. This period saw significant progress in the production and export of cash crops such as coffee, which became a major source of revenue for the country. Additionally, efforts were made to establish import-substituting industries, including textiles and footwear, in order to reduce reliance on foreign goods. After World War II, other sectors of the economy began to show promise, with tourism, banking, insurance, and transport playing a larger role in contributing to Ethiopia’s economic growth. These developments brought about a sense of optimism and economic diversification for the nation. However, the rise of the communist Derg regime in 1974 led to a complete nationalization of all means of production, including land, housing, farms, and industry. This drastic shift created uncertainty around land rights, particularly for smallholding subsistence farmers who played a crucial role in Ethiopian agriculture. With the government now controlling all land, farmers were hesitant to produce surplus food for the market, leading to food insecurity in certain regions. Despite the challenges posed by land nationalization, the government under the Derg regime did focus on rural development initiatives, which led to some improvements in rural conditions. However, the issue of land ownership remained a contentious one, hindering the growth of commercial agriculture and preventing farmers from fully benefiting from their land. Overall, the period under Haile Selassie and the subsequent Derg regime showcased both the potential and challenges of Ethiopia’s economy. While there were advancements in certain sectors, the issue of land ownership continued to loom large, impacting the country’s agricultural sector and overall economic development.

While these debt relief initiatives have helped alleviate some financial burdens for Ethiopia, the country still faces significant challenges in terms of poverty and economic development. The lack of infrastructure, access to education and healthcare, and widespread corruption are all contributing factors to Ethiopia’s ongoing struggle with poverty. Furthermore, political instability and conflict have also hindered Ethiopia’s progress towards economic growth. The country has faced periods of civil unrest and violence, particularly in the Oromia and Tigray regions, which have disrupted agricultural production and displaced thousands of people. Despite these challenges, Ethiopia has made some progress in recent years. The government has implemented various developmental projects aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding access to education and healthcare, and promoting sustainable economic growth. Additionally, Ethiopia has seen an increase in foreign investment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications, which has helped create jobs and spur economic activity. However, much work still needs to be done to lift Ethiopia out of poverty and ensure sustainable economic development. Addressing issues such as corruption, improving access to basic services, and promoting peace and stability will be crucial in order for Ethiopia to achieve long-term prosperity for its people.