Djibouti President Attends Inauguration of Ethiopia's Shebelle Tourism Project

By Zamzam Osman - Reporter

Ethiopia, 31 January 2026 The President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, on Saturday attended the inauguration ceremony of the Shebelle tourism project, implemented in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State.

Speaking at the event, President Guelleh praised the project’s development vision and Ethiopia’s broader approach to tourism development and social integration.

“We are here today to take part in the celebration marking the inauguration of this tourism site, which is designed for relaxation, social interaction and economic development,” President Guelleh said.

He also noted that Ethiopians of Somali origin have once again demonstrated their important contribution to the country’s development, stressing that the progress being achieved is inclusive and benefits all.

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The newly inaugurated Shebelle Tourism Project covers an area of approximately 385 hectares and includes hotels, tourist lodges, leisure facilities, restaurants, gyms, and health and wellness centres (SPA), according to Somali Regional State officials.

Ethiopian authorities said the project is part of a national tourism expansion programme launched in 2023, aimed at promoting sustainable development and environmental protection across the country’s regions.

President Guelleh attended the ceremony as a guest of honour, with his visit seen as a symbol of the close and long-standing relationship between Djibouti and Ethiopia, based on economic cooperation, security partnership and regional integration.

The inauguration comes as Ethiopia continues to increase investment in tourism as a key pillar of regional development, while Djibouti positions itself as a strategic partner in cross-border economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa.

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