May 2019 saw the launch of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s highly successful ‘Dine for Sheger’ initiative, that mobilised funds for city projects to improve Addis Ababa’s tourism potential. Within a year, refurbishment of both Sheger and Entoto parks was complete, creating many jobs, boosting the service economies while changing the look and feel of the capital city.

“Gratitude to the bold and courageous who have been a part of manifesting dreams to reality”, as the Prime Minister tweeted.

These initiatives demonstrated innovation, purposeful planning and execution within a short timeframe and, most importantly, highlight the benefits of Ethiopia’s abundance, which can be effectively utilised to bring prosperity. Similar projects are now kicking off in other parts of the country.

DINE for ETHIOPIA – LEAVE A LEGACY

On 16^th August this year, Ethiopia’s prosperity initiatives went regional. The ‘Dine for Ethiopia’ programme will mobilise funds for three projects – in Gorgora, Wonchi and Koysha. The new initiative aims to raise 3 billion Birr within two months, when  10-million Birr V-VIP and five-million Birr VIP dinner programmes will be hosted in the first weeks of October. Business and the community at large can buy tickets individually or for their family, or company.

It is open to all, including friends of Ethiopia. A new SMS scheme and a diaspora account has also been launched to expand fundraising activities. The committee established to spearhead the resource mobilisation has begun engaging stakeholders at all levels.

The projects are in Gorgora, south of Gondar on the north shore of Lake Tana, in the Amhara region; Wonchi, in the Oromia region, with a legacy of once powerful volcanoes, hot springs and water falls, where a crater lake is “a piece of paradise”; and Koysha, uniquely situated in the green hills and lush forests of the Southern region. With the Koysha hydropower plant in progress and the Chebera Churchura National Park in proximity, the new integrated eco-project in Koysha aims to enhance existing endowments and create a service industry and jobs in the area.

On 21^st August, a panel discussion was held at the Prime Minister’s office entitled “From Sheger to Ethiopia.” It focused on the process, benefits and experiences of the Addis Ababa projects. Minister of Innovation and Technology Dr Abraham Belay, State Minister for the Ministry of Finance Dr Eyob Tekalign, Chief Executive Officer of the Ethiopian Roads Authority Eng. Habtamu Tegegn and Meskerem Aseged, the founder of Zoma Museum and an investor in the development projects, participated in the discussion along with representatives from stakeholder institutions. They shared the experience gained, challenges faced and the benefits of the projects, which support sustainable development in all sectors, beyond tourism.

The successful completion of the initial projects developed trust between the public and the government and paved the way for the equitable participation of both genders. They also encouraged volunteerism, patriotism and cultivated respect and love for fellow citizens.

Dine for Ethiopia will raise resources, be completed to schedule, jobs will be created and there will be a strengthening of public-private partnerships. Ethiopia’s potential for economic growth is enormous and the new projects will further develop future prosperity.