Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday, joined by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, gathered in Ethiopia’s eastern Somali Regional State, where the three leaders oversaw the launch of major development projects aimed at boosting growth and regional cooperation.
Among the flagship projects unveiled was the Shabelley Tourism Center, a large-scale eco-tourism and hospitality development designed to strengthen the regional economy, create employment and attract domestic and international visitors. Officials said the project reflects Ethiopia’s broader push to diversify its economy beyond agriculture and promote sustainable tourism.
Located in eastern Ethiopia, the Shabelley Tourism Center includes the Shebele Resort, which features 51 bedrooms built to international standards, three restaurants capable of serving up to 400 guests at a time, modern celebration and conference halls, a cultural center, children’s playgrounds and 15.4 kilometres of pedestrian walkways. The complex also includes a fruit park with 10,000 fruit plants and a dedicated camel park, blending recreation, culture and environmental conservation.
Regional authorities said the project is expected to stimulate economic activity, expand job opportunities, strengthen local infrastructure and reinforce social cohesion by providing shared public spaces for communities.
Speaking at the event, officials emphasized that the initiative was the result of cooperation between federal and regional leadership and local communities, underlining the role of stability and peace in enabling long-term development. They added that similar projects could be replicated in other parts of the country.
The presence of the Djiboutian and Somali presidents underscored the growing emphasis on regional partnership, with leaders highlighting the importance of economic integration, peace and connectivity across borders.
The launch comes as Ethiopia seeks to position itself as an emerging tourism destination in the Horn of Africa, combining natural landscapes, cultural heritage and modern infrastructure to attract visitors from the region and beyond.
The event was also attended by Mustafe Omer, President of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, alongside senior regional and security officials, including Noordin Haji, Director General of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service, and Redwan Hussein, Director General of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service.
Also present were Abdoulkader Houssein Omar Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti, Salah Ahmed Jama, Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and other high-level government officials and invited guests.