June 30, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian administration has identified tourism as a key component of the nation's economic strategy, aiming to capture a larger portion of the growing international travel market and ensure long-term protection of critical national interests, said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
In an exclusive conversation with NBC Ethiopia, themed "The New Economic Engine," Prime Minister Abiy detailed the strategic plan for positioning tourism as one of Ethiopia's top five economic priorities. .
The leader characterized the sector as a strong driver of long-term development, job generation, capital inflow, and country-wide change.
The Premier stated that the government's main objective is to provide coming generations with a thriving, competitive, and respectful Ethiopia.
He pointed out that realizing this vision demanded thorough investigation and meticulous policy discussions aimed at pinpointing industries able to deliver prompt financial gains as well as enduring systemic change.
For many years, Ethiopia primarily depended on farming as the foundation of its economic structure.
Although recognizing the ongoing significance of farming, Prime Minister Abiy stated that the industry by itself has not been capable of producing widespread manufacturing expansion essential for reshaping the nation's economy.
He emphasized that long-term domestic wealth requires an economy with varied industries that support each other.
He stated that within this overall developmental approach, tourism was recognized as a key component essential for fostering economic expansion.
Emphasizing the vast size of the worldwide travel sector, the Prime Minister mentioned that it produces around 12.6 trillion U.S. dollars each year.
Nations like the United States generate approximately 215 billion dollars, Spain earns 107 billion dollars, Thailand receives 95 billion dollars, whereas Egypt brings in almost 15 billion dollars annually through tourism.
"Ethiopia and Africa should question what part of this vast global wealth they are securing," Prime Minister Abiy stated, contending that drawing a larger segment of international tourist income could supply the funds necessary to bolster other critical areas of the economy.
He further highlighted the large volume of global tourists arriving at top tourist spots annually.
Over 100 million travelers visit France each year, followed by Mexico with almost 97 million, Malaysia receiving approximately 40 million guests, and Morocco drawing around 20 million tourists, positioning it as one of Africa's top tourist spots.
As stated by the Prime Minister, these numbers highlight the remarkable ability of tourism to boost national revenue, provide employment opportunities, and enhance economic stability.
In contrast to conventional exports, tourism enables customers to travel to the nation itself, enabling them to purchase domestically made items and services without encountering the transportation expenses typically linked with sending goods overseas.
"When visitors arrive in Ethiopia, they contribute more than just financial resources; they also offer expertise, commercial networks, chances for investment, and opportunities for cultural interaction," stated the Prime Minister, highlighting that tourism generates worth throughout various parts of the economy.
He mentioned that foreign tourists buy Ethiopian-made goods, traditional attire, handcrafted items, local food, and cultural activities, which generate instant domestic demand for local industries and help support tens of thousands of small businesses and informal ventures—ranging from artists and craftspeople to traditional coffee sellers and service suppliers.
In addition to producing revenue, tourism acts as a significant channel for foreign direct investment, the Prime Minister pointed out.
Numerous global travelers discover unexplored commercial possibilities while visiting different places and subsequently come back as financiers, injecting funds into industries showing strong development prospects.
Tourism income also supplies essential funds for safeguarding Ethiopia's historic sites, conserving natural environments, promoting ecotourism areas, and improving contemporary public facilities, he further noted.
Prime Minister Abiy highlighted again the importance of tourism in enhancing national unity and fostering social harmony.
While traveling across the country, Ethiopians develop a greater respect for the nation's varied cultures, pasts, and customs, promoting reciprocal comprehension, love for their homeland, and an enhanced feeling of common national belonging.
"The government's move to position tourism as a key component of the nation's economic strategy represents an intentional national decision aimed at ensuring Ethiopia's proper role in the international tourism market, broadening financial prospects for its citizens, and protecting the country's sustained national priorities," said the Prime Minister.