Tourism Emerges as New Engine of Ethiopia's Economy, Says PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, June 30, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has described tourism as a new engine of Ethiopia's economic growth.

According to the premier, the country is repositioning the sector to drive development by capitalizing on its rich natural, historical, and cultural assets.

In an exclusive interview with the National Broadcast Corporation (NBC), the Prime Minister elaborated the government's new approach is guided by the theme, "Tourism: The New Economic Motor".

Ethiopia is shifting from recognizing its tourism potential to strategically developing and promoting it, he added.

PM Abiy further emphasized that understanding Ethiopia's tourism industry requires distinguishing the country's immense potential from the longstanding challenges that have prevented the sector from reaching its full capacity.

Although Ethiopia possesses exceptional tourism resources, awareness and promotion of these attractions have remained limited, while the absence of well-developed destinations and other structural constraints have hindered the industry's growth, he noted.

Ethiopia is home to more than 6,000 plant species, creating vast opportunities for scientific research and nature-based tourism, he said, adding that the country also hosts unique endemic wildlife found nowhere else in the world, including the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia ibex, and the Gelada baboon, as well as numerous rare bird species inhabiting the Awash and Bale ecosystems.

Ethiopia is home to a highly valued falcon species sought by international enthusiasts, although stronger global promotion and market linkages are still needed, he added.

Highlighting the country's geographical diversity, PM Abiy said Ethiopia stretches from the summit of Mount Ras Dashen, the country's highest peak, to the Danakil Depression, one of the world's lowest and hottest places.

He further emphasized Ethiopia's favorable climate, noting that travelers can reach the country's cool highlands within about three hours from the scorching Middle East or escape Europe's winter to enjoy warm weather.

According to him, visitors can experience the Simien Mountains National Park, explore the historic castles of Gondar, visit the island monasteries of Lake Tana, and enjoy the lakeside city of Bahir Dar during a single journey.

He also pointed to Ethiopia's rich historical heritage, including centuries-old manuscripts dating back 800 to 900 years, valuable artifacts, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, which continue to attract historians, researchers, and international tourists.

PM Abiy highlighted the Bale Mountains as another major destination where visitors can explore crater lakes, observe rare wildlife, and climb peaks rising above 4,300 meters above sea level.

Descending from the mountains, travelers enter the Harenna Forest, known for its rich biodiversity, waterfalls, birdlife, and the black-maned lion, while the Dinsho area offers expansive national parks and Afro-alpine landscapes.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to the Sof Omar Cave system near Robe, describing it as evidence of an ancient and advanced civilization.

According to PM Abiy, the area was historically a center of Islamic learning where scholars proficient in more than 60 languages gathered to teach. An approximately 800-year-old mosque and a remarkable artificial lake remain preserved at the site.

In the Afar Region, he highlighted the paleoanthropological significance of the area as the cradle of humankind, alongside attractions including the Erta Ale volcano, palm plantations, and the colorful sulfur springs and salt flats of the Danakil Depression.

Moving south, the premier said visitors can experience the Gamo Highlands around Arba Minch, the cultural traditions of the Dorze people, Lakes Chamo and Abaya with their giant crocodiles, and Nechisar National Park, all located along a connected tourism route.

The Prime Minister concluded that few countries offer the diversity found in Ethiopia, where ancient history, dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, vibrant cultures, the heritage of coffee and teff, and historic landmarks such as Adwa can all be experienced under a single tourist visa.