The Eastern Hararghe Zone, located in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, has emerged as a thriving agricultural hub, experiencing remarkable success in recent years. The zone’s administration is actively working to boost the local economy and attract both local and international investors. With its diverse range of crops, successful agricultural initiatives, commitment to peace and security, burgeoning tourism potential, and job creation efforts, the Eastern Hararghe Zone presents a promising destination for those seeking investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
Approached by The Ethiopian Herald, Zone’s Deputy Administrator Ayalew Takele said that the agricultural sector in the Eastern Hararghe Zone is flourishing. Being thankful for the vast potential and dedication to maximizing productivity, he mentioned that farmers in the zone cultivate a diverse range of crops, including wheat, coffee, maize, nuts, and various other agricultural products.
As to him, among its notable achievements is the successful summer wheat initiative. In the current fiscal year, the zone is expected to harvest a record-breaking 2.3 million quintals of wheat from a total of 96,000 hectares of land. The productivity of summer wheat has been steadily increasing, with the zone utilizing 16,000 and 32,000 hectares of land to produce 30 and 58 quintals of wheat, respectively.
To enhance productivity and sustainability, the Eastern Hararghe Zone has implemented various measures. These include irrigation systems and green legacy activities aimed at environmental conservation. Over the past six months, an impressive 45 million seedlings have been planted across the zone, contributing to increased agricultural output and a rise in forest coverage, which now stands at 14.5 %. These sustainable practices not only boost the economy but also preserve the environment for future generations.
One of the zone’s significant agricultural assets is Hararghe Coffee, which has gained recognition worldwide as a high-quality specialty coffee. Efforts are underway to promote Hararghe Coffee globally, attracting attention from coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs. This presents attractive export opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on the growing demand for Ethiopian coffee. Additionally, the zone’s agricultural exports extend beyond coffee, encompassing wheat, chat, and other products, further contributing to economic growth and attracting investment.
Maintaining peace and security is a top priority for the Eastern Hararghe Zone, he explained, adding that the zone has adopted a collaborative approach, involving various sectors of society such as women, youth, religious leaders, and security bodies, to sustain peace. The slogan “Protect me, I will protect you” reflects the collective responsibility to safeguard the well-being of the community. The commitment to peace and security has created a favorable investment climate in the zone, ensuring a conducive environment for investors to thrive and contribute to the local economy.
In addition to its agricultural prosperity, the Eastern Hararghe Zone showcases significant potential for tourism. The zone boasts natural attractions that captivate visitors, including the Babile elephants and Kundudo wild horses. The Babile Elephants offer a unique wildlife experience, allowing tourists to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Kundudo wild horses, found exclusively in Ethiopia, roam picturesque landscapes, making them a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The zone’s administration actively promotes tourism, recognizing its potential to contribute to the local economy through increased visitor numbers and revenue generation.
“Job creation is a crucial aspect of the Eastern Hararghe Zone’s development strategy. The zone is committed to providing employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. Initiatives in animal farming, honey production, and market chain integration have been implemented to create jobs and empower the local community. Furthermore, the zone welcomes investments from diaspora communities, recognizing their contributions to the economic growth of the zone and the country as a whole.
The administration additionally offers comprehensive investment support services to diaspora investors. These services may include assistance with business registration, permits, licenses, and access to financial resources. By providing a supportive ecosystem for investment, the administration aims to facilitate the entry and success of diaspora-led ventures in the zone”.
As to him, the Zone has also actively sought investments from diaspora communities, recognizing their significant role in fostering economic growth. The zone administration has implemented various strategies to attract and engage diaspora investors, leveraging their expertise, resources, and connections to drive development in the region.
The zone administration has actively promoted investment opportunities within the diaspora community through targeted marketing campaigns and outreach initiatives. This includes participation in investment forums, conferences, and exhibitions specifically aimed at engaging diaspora investors. By highlighting the zone’s agricultural potential, tourism attractions, and job creation initiatives, the administration has effectively showcased the opportunities available to diaspora investors.
Moreover, the Zonal administration has fostered partnerships and networks with diaspora organizations, associations, and individuals. Collaborative efforts have been made to establish channels of communication and build relationships with diaspora communities. For him, these partnerships serve as a bridge between the zone administration and the diaspora, facilitating knowledge transfer, investment facilitation, and collaboration on development projects.
Ayalew further mentioned that the zone has introduced attractive investment incentives to encourage diaspora investment. These incentives include tax breaks, streamlined administrative processes, access to land, and other benefits designed to facilitate investment and reduce barriers to entry. By offering favorable conditions, the zone has created a welcoming environment for diaspora investors, encouraging them to contribute to the local economy.
On its way to increase the engagement of Diaspora community in the Zone, the office also established dedicated platforms and mechanisms. These platforms provide information, facilitate dialogue, and address concerns and queries from potential investors. The administration actively communicates updates on investment opportunities, policies, and regulations, ensuring transparency and clarity for diaspora investors, he noted.
Recognizing the expertise and knowledge diaspora communities possess, the Eastern Hararge Zone actively seeks to leverage their skills and experiences. The administration encourages diaspora investors to contribute not only financially but also through knowledge transfer, technology sharing, and capacity building initiatives. This exchange of expertise benefits both the diaspora investors and the local community, fostering sustainable growth and development.
Through these strategies, the Eastern Hararghe Zone has successfully attracted investments from diaspora communities. By recognizing the value of diaspora engagement and providing an enabling environment, the zone administration has tapped into the resources and contributions of diaspora investors, driving economic growth, job creation, and development in the region, he added.
The Eastern Hararghe Zone stands as a shining example of successful rural development, driven by its dedication to sustainable agriculture, peace and security, tourism potential, and job creation. The administration’s proactive approach and collaborative efforts have created an environment conducive to economic growth and investment.
The zone’s agricultural achievements, including the summer wheat initiative and the promotion of Hararghe Coffee, have positioned it as an attractive destination for investors seeking opportunities in Ethiopia’s thriving agricultural sector. The Eastern Hararge Zone’s commitment to sustainable development and its promising future make it a compelling choice for stakeholders and investors alike. With its ongoing efforts, the zone is poised for continued economic prosperity and sustainable growth.
BY HIZKEL HAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 25 FEBRUARY 2024
