Ethiopia Invests in Shabeely Tourism Center to Boost Heritage Tourism Create Jobs and Foster Sustainable Regional Growth

Ethiopia has inaugurated the first phase of the Shabeely Tourism Center, a landmark project set to transform the Somali Region into a hub for culture, tourism, and sustainable economic development. The initiative represents a strategic effort to integrate previously underserved areas into the national growth agenda while highlighting the rich cultural traditions of the region.

The Shabeely Tourism Center, developed at an estimated cost of 8 billion birr ($155 million), is designed to merge modern infrastructure with the authentic cultural heritage of local pastoralist communities. Its facilities include exhibition areas, open-air cultural spaces, accommodation, and venues for conferences and events, creating an immersive environment that offers visitors a comprehensive experience of Somali traditions, music, cuisine, and craftsmanship.

Occupying 385 hectares as part of the “Dine for Generations” initiative, the project emphasizes sustainable tourism, local entrepreneurship, and community involvement. The initiative aims to create lasting economic opportunities for the region by linking heritage preservation with commercial activity, enabling cultural traditions to serve as a foundation for economic growth.

The tourism center is expected to stimulate the local economy by generating employment across hospitality, service industries, and cultural enterprises. Artisans, performers, and local businesses are projected to benefit from the increased visitor traffic, creating a self-sustaining cycle where cultural preservation directly supports economic opportunity.

Shabeely has recently gained municipal status, a development anticipated to accelerate urban growth and infrastructure investment in the area. The new administrative framework is expected to provide governance support, ensure coordinated development, and facilitate the sustainable management of tourism-related activities.

The project also reflects Ethiopia’s broader strategy to decentralize economic growth and integrate historically marginalized regions into the national development framework. By fostering cultural visibility alongside economic investment, the initiative encourages social cohesion and regional pride, demonstrating how local heritage can drive inclusive development.

The Shabeely Tourism Center is expected to attract a diverse array of visitors, including domestic tourists, international travelers, and business delegations. Its design harmoniously combines traditional Somali architectural motifs with contemporary facilities, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience that celebrates cultural authenticity while accommodating modern needs.

Beyond tourism, the center has potential to strengthen regional economic integration by attracting visitors from neighboring countries. The cross-border tourism opportunities are anticipated to bolster trade, cultural exchange, and investment flows, positioning Shabeely as a key destination within the Horn of Africa.

Cultural preservation is a central focus of the development. The center includes dedicated spaces for exhibitions, workshops, and performances that highlight local arts, crafts, and culinary practices. By providing a platform for cultural expression, the project ensures that Somali heritage remains a living, evolving part of the community while creating economic value for local practitioners.

Environmental sustainability is another core principle of the development. The center incorporates eco-friendly practices, including the use of local materials, energy-efficient infrastructure, and landscaping that protects surrounding habitats. These measures reflect Ethiopia’s commitment to responsible tourism and long-term ecological stewardship.

Future phases of the project are planned to expand its cultural and economic reach. Additional pavilions, eco-tourism activities, and community-oriented programs will enhance the center’s capacity to empower residents and encourage participation in the local economy. These expansions aim to solidify Shabeely’s role as a cultural and economic landmark for the region.

The Shabeely Tourism Center illustrates how culture-led development can simultaneously preserve heritage, generate economic growth, and strengthen communities. By combining tradition with modernity, the project demonstrates the potential for underrepresented regions to contribute significantly to national development and tourism.

As the center opens its doors, it is poised to become a prominent destination that bridges culture, commerce, and community engagement. It exemplifies a model of development in which investment in infrastructure and heritage preservation work hand in hand to create lasting social and economic impact.

The project’s emphasis on sustainability, cultural authenticity, and local empowerment positions the Somali Region as a dynamic contributor to Ethiopia’s growth narrative. It offers a template for future initiatives that aim to balance development with environmental responsibility and cultural preservation, ensuring that tourism and economic progress go hand in hand.

With its completion, the Shabeely Tourism Center is expected to leave a lasting mark on the region, enhancing Ethiopia’s cultural landscape, attracting a wide array of visitors, and promoting inclusive growth. By creating a destination that celebrates both heritage and opportunity, the project signals a new era for regional development and tourism in Ethiopia.

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