Scanning the cosmos might be ridiculing to find the land of heterogeny like Ethiopia. Blessed with various climatic zones and abundant resources, the country is home for tangible and intangible heritages inscribed in UNESCO. The seven destinations in Ethiopia which will benefit from the special investment incentives are located in Oromia, Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and South Region of Ethiopia, according to documents.
It is noted that, the purpose of the special investment incentives in the selected areas is to encourage investors invest and take part in the development of the tourism sector of the country, which is currently under-developed.
“In addition to the usual tax exempted import of construction inputs, capital goods, importing duty-free vehicles, anyone who is interested to invest in these selected areas will not pay profit tax for five years,” the documents indicate.
On the other hand, developing the tourist attractions with world class facilities will enable the county to attract more tourists.
According to a study published in 2018 assessing the quality of products and services being delivered within the Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), the quality of a major tourism product such as weather conditions, the value for money of visitor attractions (i.e. tourism resources both natural and cultural, accommodation, food and entertainment); accessibility, safety and security, and cleanliness of the local environment were all acknowledged by the majority of tourists who visited the SMNP. “Courtesy of local people, friendliness of the local people, willingness of local people to help, and willingness of employees could increase the overall satisfaction of tourists who visit SMNP, while the infrastructure and the quality of tourist information deliveries were found to be insufficient to satisfy tourists who visit the destination,” the study paper revealed.
Apart from this, the diverse nations in Ethiopia have their own peculiar new celebrations which are by and large similar in terms of contributing something worth for humanity and enhancing tourism, boosting investment and thereby backing the economy.
Indeed, nations on the planet celebrate New Year as the earth makes a full circle around the sun. The unique feature of Ethiopian New Year celebration associated with thanks giving, helping the destitute preserving nature.
Some 200 kilo meter down south from the capital, Addis Ababa, the Sidama ethnic group celebrates Fichee Chamballaala. The marking of the day involves indigenous astronomical knowledge of elders and declared if the dawn star- Bekalcho is seen. The day is also colorfully celebrated in various events scheduled based on historic tradition.
Nowadays, people make business along with preserving culture in attracting tourists and showcasing investment opportunities. Sidama, the newly established state, took attention of local and foreign investors as it is untapped potentiality from various perspectives.
The Ethiopian Herald had a short stay with a state’s authority to investigate Fichee Chamballaala significance from the perspective of tourism and investment.
Zenebe Legese, Commissioner General of the State’s Investment Commission said that, Fichee is not a mere celebration of New Year. Rather, it meant a lot to the people of Sidama, Ethiopia and the world as well. The magnificent event radiates forgiveness, coexistence, passion and stewardship for nature. The marking of the day is attended by public gathering and tourists, passerby and media so that it is an opportunity to promote products and the state’s potential for investment.
Starting from its inscription in the list of UNESCO as intangible heritage of humanity, the event has been grabbing the attention of the international community. It is attended by federal and state authorities, embassies, domestic and foreign tourists.
Most of all, the day is the marking of restoring peace and avoiding conflict and showing pity for others in need. Conflicts which are not resolved in procedural law will be addressed in indigenous mechanisms. As tourism and investment are two sides of the same coin, the state is vigorously working to host exhibition and trade fairs to promote products and offer business opportunities for visitors.
It is known that, Sidama is situated in an economic corridor and a pass way to the neighboring Kenya. The land gives what it has taken with no much tillage. There are also potentials of gold and other minerals from its belly. Sidama is endowed with arable land and producer of fruits almost with fertilizer free environment.
Animal husbandry, aquaculture, hotel and tourism are also lucrative business. Thus along with celebrating the day, the state envisages promoting tourism and boosting investment. Besides, the State is a fertile ground for those interested to engage in agro processing, textile, mining and dairy products among others.
Presently, the federal government prefers the State as one of hubs of investment in the country. The Hawassa Industrial park and agro processing industries are bright hopes in consuming raw materials and employing the amassed.
The marking of the day is also a comprehensive strategy in preserving aesthetic culture and achieving ambitious development. The influx of the public from the country and abroad will have a chance to see products and convincing factors to invest in the State.
As to the commissioner, the Yirgalem comprehensive agro Industry Park, dairy, honey, coffee, avocado potentials will get attention of business men to invest there. His office is also deploying mediums in promoting products and convincing investors to engage in verities of opportunities.
Beyond this, the day is an eye opener platform for interested groups as it paved the way to reach judgment on the spot.
Fichee-Chambalaalla is a New Year festival celebrated among the Sidama people. According to the oral tradition, Fichee commemorates a Sidama woman who visited her parents and relatives once a year after her marriage, bringing buurisame, and a meal prepared from false banana, milk and butter, which was shared with neighbors.
Fichee has since become a unifying symbol of the Sidama people. Each year, astrologers determine the correct day for the festival, which is then announced to the clans. Communal events take place throughout the festival, including traditional songs and dances. Every member of the community participates irrespective of age, gender and social status. On the first day, children go from house to house to greet their neighbors, who serve them buurisame. During the festival, clan leaders advise the Sidama people to work hard, respect and support the elders, and abstain from cutting down indigenous trees, begging, indolence, false testimony and theft.
The festival therefore, enhances equity, good governance, social cohesion, peaceful co-existence and integration among Sidama clans and the diverse ethnic groups in Ethiopia. Parents transmit the tradition to their children orally and through participation in events during the celebration. Women in particular, transfer knowledge and skills associated with hairdressing and preparation of buurisame to their daughters and other girls in their respective villages.
BY LAKACHEW ATINAFU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 29 APRIL 2022
