International Endorsements Recognize 'Renewing the Promise: A New Vision for Eritrea' as a Blueprint for Eritrea’s Recovery

International Endorsements Recognize 'Renewing the Promise: A New Vision for Eritrea' as a Blueprint for Eritrea’s Recovery

Semere has come forward with a well-timed and useful follow-up to his previous book. As we eagerly await the time to bring about a change in leadership in Asmara, this new book presents a clear and workable vision to guide a future transition in Eritrea.  His emphasis on promoting human development — investing in Eritrea’s people — is spot on.

– Michael Harvey, USAID Assistant Administrator for the Middle East and previously Director for Humanitarian Assistance to Ethiopia and Eritrea, USA

Semere Solomon has written an important book that goes beyond chronicling Eritrea's current political predicament to offering a practical vision for the path forward. Based on his rich experiences as a participant in the country's long struggle for independence, a government official, and an international civil servant, Renewing the Promise offers fascinating insights into potential transitional scenarios and a blueprint for vital reforms that will need to be undertaken in the economic, social, political, diplomatic, and military spheres. This is a must-read for anyone -- Eritreans and their friends -- thinking about how to catalyze and support positive change in this critical Red Sea country."

– Michael Woldemariam, Associate Professor and Director of the PhD Program, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, USA

Having worked alongside Semere for over two decades in international development and education, I can attest to the integrity and insight behind this work.  In Renewing the Promise: A New Vision for Eritrea, Semere doesn’t just bring analysis, but also a call to action, grounded in lived experience and global best practices.  His vision for a people-centered Eritrea, where sovereignty and human welfare are inseparable, is both compelling and achievable.  This book is essential reading for policymakers, scholars, and anyone who believes Eritrea can chart a new course.

– Charito Kruvant, Founder and Chairperson at Creative Associates International, USA

Mr.  Solomon’s newest book on Eritrea, “Renewing the Promise,” builds on his earlier work to present a carefully thought-out and comprehensive blueprint for the country’s development and prosperity.  Both books are mandatory reading for those interested in Eritrea’s future, as well as to understand more broadly the conditions that should be in place to establish a stable, democratic, economically viable nation.

– Jerrold Keilson, President, Center for Development History, USA

Within a week of meeting Semere Solomon in Asmara in the 1990s, it was clear that his country flowed in his blood. After fighting for Eritrea’s liberation, he worked to improve human capital. He gained experience working on development, particularly human capital, in several countries over twenty-five years. Throughout this time, he observed the development of his country and its people. Based on lessons learned, Semere Solomon presents a detailed road map for Eritrea’s future economic development once the dictatorship ends. Mr. Solomon does such a thorough job that this book should be recommended reading for those involved in development.

– Eduardo Velez Bustillo, PhD, University of Illinois, World Bank, Education Sector Manager (LAC and EAP regions), Adjunct Professor, Peking University and Georgetown University, Visiting Professor, Kobe University and Brown University, USA

Semere is a skilled development practitioner whose work reflects a commitment to Pan-Africanism and Eritrean freedom, evident in his life history and representation of Eritrea's trajectory. In this book, he advances a key thesis: human welfare forms a fundamental pillar of national growth—a message relevant beyond Eritrea to Africa. Through this work, Semere places himself in the struggle for Eritrean freedom. He details the pre-independence struggle, compares it with present realities, and projects hope for future generations. His narrative encourages youth to engage with African development, liberation history, and self-determination across the continent.

– Nurudeen Lawal, International Development Practitioner, Team Lead and Founder, Quality Education Development Associates, Nigeria