– Showcases Ethiopian heritages, foster investment
ADDIS ABABA –Apart from promoting the Ethiopian endowments and investment, the “Africa Celebrates” event would be a powerful instrument to cherish African histories and the spirit of Pan-Africanism, the Burundian Ambassador said.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Burundi’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Willy Nyamitwe stated that the event is a powerful platform for promoting African histories and the spirit of Pan-Africanism at large. Ethiopia would greatly benefit from hosting such an event as it has a strategic position for cultural and diplomatic activities across the continent.
Ambassador Nyamitwe also noted that the event would be a potential opportunity to display Ethiopia’s culture, heritage and advancements on a continental stage, attracting tourists and building the country’s positive image. Similarly, the influx of visitors for the event is believed to stimulate local businesses from hospitality to retail, boost the economy, and create more jobs.
“Accordingly, such gatherings would foster investment opportunities, as investors and business leaders experience Ethiopia’s culture and potential. The event is also the mechanism for fighting stereotypes toward Africa and it should be our primary agenda to put our heritage and shape our common narratives.”
Calling for consolidated support from the national to the continental level, the Ambassador indicated that such collaboration would be a potential turning point for other nations to take homework from the host country.
Africa Celebrates President and CEO Lexy Mojo-Eyes on his part said that the event would be serving as a bridge that connects cultural heritages, women empowerment, youth engagement, diaspora connections, African peace work and many other activities.
“It has also the opportunity to bring all continental leaders and other international gatherings and showcasing our (Africans) arts, cultural heritages and extra miles of continental endowments.”
Mentioning the significant progress that the event bears every year, he underscored, “We Africans are the only responsible patrons of our cases and for all Africans in all human endeavors by consuming our products, sharing our diverse cultures and many other blessings.”
Moreover, bringing Africa together is a good achievement and would be a triumph for the entire black people, he emphasized.
On the other hand, Ethiopian Local Partner of Africa Celebrates and Mayalz Events CEO Eyael Tamrat stated that Ethiopia, especially Addis Ababa as an iconic capital of Africa, has not benefited from this initiative, as it deserves.
The event is significantly beneficial to bring all Africans together and demonstrate continental diversity that helps bring a bearable future for the youth and new generation in a meaningful manner. “It is a matter of preserving and promoting our diverse culture, art and history among many others. Besides, it is also making our generation feet for the 21st Century,” she stated.
They called on the government, private sector and other concerned actors to give prime attention and push the initiative onwards.
It was learned Ethiopia has been hosting the event for the last four consecutive years including this year.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
