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Ethiopia officially inaugurated the Shebele Resort in the Somali Region on Saturday, marking a major milestone in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ambitious “Dine for Generation” (Gebeta Le Tewled) initiative. The ceremony, held in Jigjiga, was attended by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, highlighting the project’s significance for regional diplomacy and economic integration.
A Flagship of ‘Dine for Generation’
The Shebele Resort, sprawling across 385 hectares, is designed to serve as a catalyst for tourism in eastern Ethiopia. The project is a centerpiece of the government’s strategy to diversify the economy and elevate the country to a leading African tourist destination.
“This resort is not only a recreational facility; it is a historical monument that combines modern architecture with the cultural values of the Somali Region,” Prime Minister Abiy said during the inauguration.
Key Features and Infrastructure
The resort integrates luxury hospitality with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. Key specifications of the new facility include:
- Hospitality: 51 world-class, fully-equipped guest rooms.
- Dining & Events: Three restaurants capable of hosting 400 guests simultaneously, alongside modern banquet and conference halls.
- Recreation: 15.4 kilometers of walking paths, dedicated children’s playgrounds, and a unique cultural center.
- Natural Assets: A fruit park containing 10,000 fruit trees and a dedicated camel park, showcasing the region’s natural heritage.
Economic and Regional Impact
The presence of the Djiboutian and Somali heads of state underscores the resort’s role as a “hub for economic cooperation” in a historically underinvested region. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that the project fulfills a promise to transform natural resources into development through added value and regional cooperation.
The resort’s management is expected to align with the government’s recent trend of partnering with Ethiopian Airlines to operate high-end lodges, ensuring international service standards.
Investment Perspective
For investors, the Shebele Resort represents the growing viability of the Horn of Africa’s “Eastern Circuit.” As Ethiopia continues to build access roads and infrastructure in remote destinations, the government is signaling a shift toward sustainable, inclusive tourism that integrates local communities into the value chain.
