Green Legacy Initiative Reaffirms Ethiopia's Reputation as Destination for Investment: Commissioner

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2025 (ENA)—The Green Legacy Initiative reaffirms Ethiopia's growing reputation as the destination for sustainable and responsible investment, Ethiopian Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen said.

By realizing the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia is not only investing on its natural capital, but also on social, economic and human capital, Zeleke stated.

For the commissioner, the Green Legacy Initiative reaffirms Ethiopia's growing reputation as the destination for sustainable and responsible investment.

“The initiative is not only about the nation’s environmental ambition, but also its economy, he noted.”

Recall that Ethiopia had planted over 40 billion trees through the Green Legacy Initiative, raising forest coverage to 23.6 percent, and reaffirming its dedication to environmental restoration and climate resilience. 

The nationwide tree planting being held under the theme: “Renewal through Planting,” is part of Ethiopia's annual plan of planting a staggering number of 7.5 billion trees during the ongoing rainy season.

On Thursday alone, a record-breaking 714.7 million tree seedlings were planted in a single day across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner said planting more than 700 million seedlings in a single day is not just a matter of numbers, but a symbol of who we are as people.

It demonstrates that “we are resilient in spirit, united in purpose and unwavering in our commitment to future generations.”

According to him, the Green Legacy is more than a national campaign. It is a declaration that Ethiopia is committed to reversing environmental degradation.

“We are ready to lead by example in the global fight against climate change, and that our path to prosperity will be green, inclusive and sustainable.”

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia has made unprecedented strides in environmental restoration, he noted, adding that more than 40 billion of trees have been planted, river basins rehabilitated, ecosystems revived; and more importantly a culture of environmental consciousness has taken deep root within the society.

“We are not planting trees, we are planting hope. We are planting resilience against droughts. We are planting opportunities for farmers, for businesses, and for communities.”