The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Abiy Ahmed Ali as its new Tourism Champion. The appointment, effective for a period of three years, underscores Prime Minister Abiy’s visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable development across the IGAD region.
As Tourism Champion, Prime Minister Abiy will spearhead initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, a key sector with immense potential for economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship within the eight-member bloc. His role will be instrumental in driving tourism policies that enhance regional cooperation, infrastructure development, and the protection of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
IGAD is made up of States, which include; Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
The appointment of Prime Minister Abiy as IGAD Tourism Champion comes at a time when the region is focusing on economic diversification and recovery, particularly in the aftermath of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
With his guidance, IGAD aims to harness the tourism sector as a powerful tool for creating jobs, promoting regional peace, and showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the Horn of Africa.
