AMN Plus-July 1, 2026
Under the reform government led by His Excellency Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), tourism has emerged as one of Ethiopia’s key economic pillars. In this regard, the “Medemer” (Synergy) philosophy introduced by the Prime Minister has offered a new strategic direction for the sector, integrating the country’s rich natural, historical, and cultural assets and transforming them into significant economic and social value.
Rather than treating tourism development as an isolated activity, the Medemer philosophy promotes a holistic and interconnected approach. It links tourism with local economic development, environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and infrastructure expansion. By fostering synergy among these sectors, it lays the groundwork for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism system that benefits communities, visitors, and the nation as a whole.
Guided by this approach, numerous recreational sites, heritage attractions, and natural destinations have been developed and upgraded to enhance service quality and improve visitor experiences for both domestic and international tourists.
Beyond strengthening Ethiopia’s global image, these developments are also generating employment opportunities for young people and local communities while stimulating local economies across different regions.
The Medemer philosophy has further reinforced collaboration within the tourism sector by positioning tourism as a shared responsibility among government institutions, local communities, the private sector, and development partners. This inclusive framework has contributed significantly to the development, promotion, and improved management of tourist destinations throughout the country.
In an exclusive interview, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) reflected on Ethiopia’s tourism development journey, highlighting key achievements, ongoing priorities, and the country’s long-term vision for growth, transformation, and global positioning of its tourism sector.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stated that Ethiopia is currently hosting a growing number of high-level conferences across the country, particularly in Addis Ababa, attracting increasing participation from international communities.
He noted that many international guests are now frequently traveling to Ethiopia to attend these global and regional conferences, while also taking the opportunity to visit some of the country’s key landmark tourism destinations within the capital and beyond.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to expand tourism development are still not at the level they should be, stressing that significantly more work is needed to fully showcase the country’s vast tourism potential to the world.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, he further urged all Ethiopians to take collective responsibility in presenting a clear and compelling image of Ethiopia to the international community.
He underscored that through stronger national engagement and improved promotion, the country can unlock substantial economic benefits from the tourism sector.
By Birhanu Workneh
