Ethiopia Emerges as Model in Green Initiative: AUC Sustainable & Blue Economy Director

Addis Ababa, May 24, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia is an exemplary country in its Green Legacy Initiative that other African countries should draw experiences in greening drier areas and combatting the impact of climate change, Sustainable and Blue Economy Director at the African Union Commission (AUC) Harsen Nyambe said.

In an elusive interview with ENA, AUC's Sustainable and Blue Economy Director Harsen Nyambe noted that Ethiopia has emerged a model in green initiatives, setting an example for other African nations aiming to combat climate change and enhance sustainable practices.

Nyambe praised the ongoing efforts of the country in Green Legacy Initiative, indicating that it would significantly contribute to the goals of the Great Green Wall Initiative launched by the African Union.

Launched in 2007, the Great Green Wall Initiative was designed to create a great mosaic of green and productive landscapes across North Africa, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa, envisioning a belt of trees, encompassing various sustainable land use practices and addressing issues like food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and poverty.

The director pointed out that the green initiative of Ethiopia stands a beacon of hope, offering valuable lessons for other countries to replicate its success.

Nyambe emphasized the need for knowledge sharing, as many nations lack the expertise to implement similar initiatives, calling for Ethiopia to actively engage in sharing its experiences to inspire and guide others.

“The green initiative of Ethiopia is a very good example and we feel that Ethiopia can also share experience with other countries. There are a lot of countries who want to do what Ethiopia is doing. But, they do not have the knowhow. So, if Ethiopia can also become more active in this process; share the experience and that will be highly appreciated,” he elaborated.

He stressed such initiatives foster resilience and sustainable development in the face of climate change.

The increasing frequency of droughts in Eastern Africa has been in need of adaptive measures to build community resilience, he pointed out, stressing the importance of collaboration with private sectors and partners to secure funding to address the common challenges of investment in arid regions.

While political will exists, Nyambe urged the private sector to engage in unlocking the continent's potential drier areas, underscoring that economic opportunities can coexist with environmental sustainability.

“The main challenge that we hear is lack of investments; there are some partners and private sectors who feel that drier areas—have no potential; and yet, there is a lot that can be done. Most of the communities in drier areas do not have the money to be able to transform the desert. So, that is one of the major constraints.

So, we want to encourage partners and private sectors to step in and be able to make money at the same time build resilience for the communities in the drier areas” he explained.

 

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