Ethiopian Diaspora Service Praises Diaspora’s Pivotal Role in Advancing Development

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2025 (ENA) --- The Ethiopian Diaspora Service has lauded the vital contributions of the Ethiopian diaspora in driving key national development initiatives, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Green Legacy Initiative.

Ambassador Fitsum Arega, Director General of  the Ethiopian Diaspora Service, emphasized that the diaspora community has been actively engaged in the country’s broader development efforts.

The Ambassador described their firm support as "pivotal" to the country’s progress, citing their multifaceted contributions, ranging from diplomatic advocacy and technical expertise to financial assistance and environmental stewardship.

Ambassador Fitsum noted the diaspora’s significant involvement in the GERD project, noting that members have not only raised substantial funds but also provided critical technical input in areas such as hydrology, dam engineering, and fisheries.

Their diplomatic engagement, he added, has reinforced Ethiopia’s position in international discussions and challenges concerning the dam.

According to the Director General, the diaspora has contributed millions of US Dollars to GERD through bond purchases and donations.

He added that in the past four months alone, the Ethiopian diaspora raised 1.7 million USD, reflecting the community’s deep and sustained commitment to national development.

Beyond GERD, the diaspora has been a strong supporter of the Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The initiative has led to the planting of billions of trees, including economically valuable species such as fruit and coffee trees.

These efforts, Fitsum noted, directly enhance Ethiopia’s economic growth and export potential, further demonstrating the diaspora’s role in sustainable development.

The Director General also pointed to the government’s proactive efforts to deepen diaspora engagement.

These include encouraging investment and fostering direct participation through family and community ties. He stressed that firsthand experiences in Ethiopia help diaspora members become credible storytellers and effective advocates for the country.

Holiday visits, he added, often leave positive impressions that inspire increased involvement and new business ventures.

Fitsum also reaffirmed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s commitment to pursuing this strategic objective through peaceful means.

He emphasized that Ethiopians abroad, many of whom possess expertise in fields such as international relations, economics, education, diplomacy, and international law, stand ready to collaborate with the government in realizing this national interest.

“The government welcomes such collaboration and believes the diaspora’s intellectual capital will be invaluable when the time is right,” he stated.

The dynamism and dedication of the Ethiopian diaspora, whose diverse contributions, technical, financial, diplomatic, and environmental, are accelerating the country’s development and elevating its global stature, he stated.