Addis Ababa, October 19, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has emphasized that uncovering, nurturing, and developing Ethiopia’s natural and cultural riches is a shared national responsibility, calling on all citizens to work together in building a prosperous future rooted in the country’s abundant resources.

In a message posted on his social media pages following a three-day visit to the Bale Zone of Oromia Regional State, the Prime Minister said that “when we see through the eyes of abundance, we recognize that Ethiopia is a land of plenty and enough for all.”

He shared this message on his social media pages after concluding his visit with a high-level delegation of current and former government leaders to the Fincha Habera Waterfall — a striking site that cascades into the Weib River, which feeds the renowned Sof Omar cave system.

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday reviewed ongoing tourism development projects in the Harenna cluster of Bale Mountains National Park, emphasizing the government’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism and create employment opportunities for local communities.

During the visit, the Prime Minister inspected projects under construction, including the Rira Eco Lodge and its surrounding facilities within Harenna Forest, as well as viewpoints, restaurants, and coffee shops along hiking and driving trails leading to the summit of Tulu Dimtu, the park’s highest peak.

In a post published on his social media page this morning, PM Abiy said the developments “aim to promote sustainable tourism, create local employment opportunities, and enhance visitors’ comfort and experience of the park’s unique natural and cultural heritage.”

Addis Ababa, October 18, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has underscored the close connection between Ethiopia’s natural treasures and its development agenda, emphasizing the Bale Zone as a model of how tourism, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship can advance sustainable growth.

The Prime Minister arrived in the Bale Zone on Friday, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a high-level delegation of current and former leadership, to review ongoing developments in the Bale Mountains National Park, including the under-construction Dinsho Lodge, its surrounding environment, and the Gese Grasslands, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew arrived in the Bale Zone of the Oromia Region, accompanied by a high-level delegation of current and former leadership, to review the Dinsho Lodge, which is currently under construction, and its surrounding environment as well as the Gese Grasslands.

Located in the heartlands of the Oromia Region, about 400 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, Bale Mountains National Park spans over 2,000 square kilometers.

It encompasses Ethiopia’s second-highest peak and features an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, wildlife, forests, grasslands, and plant species, earning it the title “One Park – Many Worlds.” The park stands as one of the country’s strongest tourism attractions.

Addis Ababa, October 14, 2025 (FMC) – Addis Ababa City Administration has inaugurated and opened for service the Addis Cinema Complex, a 15-story modern cultural facility.

It was stated that the project symbolizes the government’s continued commitment to reviving and advancing the arts sector.

In remarks delivered during the inauguration, Mayor Adanech Abiebie noted that the project reflects the government’s recognition of the arts as a vital component of national development.

She indicated that the city administration has been investing in modern infrastructure to support the growth of creative industries and strengthen the contribution of the arts to economic and social transformation.

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Addis Ababa, October 14, 2025 (FMC) – The Ministry of Water and Energy has underscored that the artificial Lake Nigat, formed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), is becoming a major source of economic, social, and environmental benefits for Ethiopia and the wider region.

During a stakeholder consultation held in Bishoftu town on the draft master plan for Lake Nigat, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa noted that the lake—now recognized as the fourth largest in Africa—represents a transformative national asset created through the collective determination of Ethiopians.

He emphasized that the generation that built GERD had turned the mighty Abbay River into a symbol of pride and resilience for the nation.

According to the Minister, the significance of the dam extends far beyond power generation.

Addis Ababa, October 8, 2025 (FMC) — The scenic Hambaricho Mountain in Ethiopia’s Central Region has unveiled an expanded stairway reaching more than 1,500 steps, fulfilling a challenge made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his visit three months ago.

The Prime Minister had launched the annual rainy-season volunteering program in the region, which includes developing model villages under the Rural Corridors Initiative. As part of his visit, he climbed the original 777 steps to the mountain’s summit and encouraged zonal leaders to extend the staircase further to promote tourism and community engagement.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister, local authorities have successfully completed the “Plus 777” extension in record time, providing visitors with an elevated route and panoramic views from higher up the mountain. The accomplishment stands as a symbol of local dedication and swift implementation of national initiatives.

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2025 (FMC) — Tens of thousands of people gathered at Hora Harsade (Lake Harsade) in Bishoftu this morning to celebrate the 2018 E.C. (2025) Harsade Irreecha Festival in a colorful and spiritual atmosphere.

Celebrated under the theme “Irreecha for National Leap Up,” this year’s festival brought together Abbaa Gadaas, Hadha Sinqees, community elders, youth, and farmers from across the Oromia region, alongside visitors and well-wishers from other parts of Ethiopia.

The central ritual, known as Irreeffanna — an expression of gratitude to Waaqa (the Creator) — was performed at the lakeside, led by the Abbaa Gadaas.

Holding green grass in their hands, the Abbaa Gadaas and Hadha Sinqees offered prayers and blessings, symbolizing the transition from the dark and rainy season to a time of light, peace, and renewal.

Addis Ababa, October 6, 2025 (FMC) — Foreign visitors who attended this year’s Irreecha celebrations have described the festival as a truly unique and unforgettable cultural experience that showcases Ethiopia’s rich traditions, harmony, and joy.

The festival, marked by a sea of colorful attire, lively dances, and vibrant songs, brought together thousands of people at Hora Finfinne in Addis Ababa and Hora Arsedi in Bishoftu, symbolizing thanksgiving, peace, and unity among communities.

Professor Nicell McKeown from Ireland said he was deeply impressed by the beauty and diversity of the celebration. “This is a completely unique and unforgettable experience. The colors, the dances, and the energy of the people were extraordinary,” he remarked, adding that the event reflects the deep cultural wealth of Ethiopia and deserves greater global promotion.

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed affirmed that the “Dine for Nation Initiative” is sparking significant urban transformation across Ethiopia’s cities, following his inspection of ongoing development projects in Jigjiga, the Somali regional capital.

Highlighting the progress in the tourism sector, the Prime Minister cited the construction of nearly 30 hotels currently underway in Jigjiga as a prime example of visible nationwide success. He noted that the “Dine for Nation” projects in the region are between 80 and 85 percent complete and are expected to be finalized and inaugurated within the next three to four months.

PM Abiy emphasized that once completed, these projects will benefit not only the Somali region but also neighboring areas, bringing new value to cities and introducing the public to a modern style of living.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2025 (FMC) — Foreign visitors who recently toured different parts of Ethiopia have voiced profound admiration for the nation’s unique fusion of history, culture, and natural wonders.

The tourists described Ethiopia as one of Africa’s most compelling and authentic destinations, praising its wealth of both tangible and intangible heritage.

They highlighted internationally acclaimed sites such as the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, the Aksum Obelisks, Harar Jugol, and the Simien Mountains National Park — all recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. They further noted that additional cultural and natural landmarks are under review for international recognition, which would further elevate the country’s global tourism appeal.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2025 (FMC) – The “Interwoven World” exhibition opened at the Kaifeng Art Bonding Warehouse in Hebei Province, offering Chinese audiences a vibrant showcase of Ethiopia’s artistic heritage and reinforcing cultural ties between the two nations.

Ethiopia’s ambassador to China attended the opening ceremony, where the artist presented his creative vision and shared insights into his oil paintings.

His works combine the vibrancy of African life with the depth of Ethiopian culture, creating a unique artistic dialogue that connects Ethiopian and Chinese traditions, the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing told FMC.