IGAD names Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed as tourism champion for three-year term

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) announced on Thursday that Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been appointed as the new Tourism Champion for the IGAD states, a role he will serve for a three-year term.

In a statement posted on its official social media, the IGAD Secretariat praised Abiy's visionary leadership, noting that he will play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable tourism across the region, driving economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting environmental stewardship across all IGAD member states.

Workneh Gebeyehu, the IGAD Executive Secretary, extended his congratulations to Abiy on his new role, expressing optimism about the future of the region's tourism sector under his leadership.

"We wish him continued success as we work together to advance the tourism sector and unlock its full potential for the benefit of our communities and economies," Workneh said.

The announcement coincided with the official launch of the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2024-2034, which took place on Thursday at the Adwa Museum Hall. The event, attended by IGAD ministers responsible for tourism and key industry leaders, outlined a strategic roadmap for the sustainable development of tourism across IGAD member states.

IGAD ministers responsible for Tourism and Key leaders from Tourism sector on Thursday gathered at Adwa Museum Hall to officially launch the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2024-2034. (Handout)

According to a statement from the IGAD Secretariat, the plan aims to position the IGAD region as a globally competitive and integrated tourism destination while fostering socio-economic growth, poverty alleviation, and regional integration.

Workneh emphasised the collaborative framework of the newly launched plan, highlighting that it will involve partnerships between member states, the private sector, and development partners.

In his speech, Workneh addressed the significant challenges the region faces, such as macroeconomic pressures, climate change, and limited access to financing, noting how these factors are positioning Africa to leverage its resources for economic growth.

"Shrinking economic space, with nearly 40 per cent of African countries at high or at risk of high debt distress, is further compounded by unpredictable climate events, which are now eroding an average of 5 per cent of GDP annually," he said.

He also highlighted how Africa's travel and tourism market is projected to generate revenues of $23.37 billion by 2024, with a growth rate of 7.49 per cent.

Workneh noted that the IGAD region is uniquely positioned to benefit from the tourism sector, stating, "Each IGAD country—Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda—is richly endowed with unique tourism assets."

He highlighted some of these attractions, from Djibouti’s stunning Lake Assal and volcanic landscapes to Kenya’s world-renowned safari parks and Uganda’s mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Additionally, he mentioned Eritrea’s striking modernist architecture in Asmara, Somalia’s rich coastline with untapped beach tourism potential, South Sudan’s majestic Boma National Park, and Sudan’s ancient Nubian pyramids, which hold enormous historical value.

He concluded by emphasising Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, which continue to attract tourists from around the world.