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Wanchi-Dandi Ecotourism Village Hailed as a Model for African Ecotourism by AUC Chairperson

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Addis Ababa – The Wanchi-Dandi Ecotourism Village in Ethiopia has been praised as a model for ecotourism development by Mussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).



According to Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), During his visit to the village on the eve of its inauguration by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Mussa Faki Mahamat, accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Workneh Gebeyehu and members of the diplomatic corps, expressed admiration for the project. He emphasized the importance of preserving such natural treasures and commended the initiative for combining ecological preservation with local prosperity and development.



Mahamat further noted the significance of ecotourism as a lucrative opportunity for Africa, urging the promotion of tourism that safeguards the ecosystem. He shared his surprise and pleasure in discovering the landscape of Wanchi, which he found to be a revelation of Ethiopia’s diverse natural beauty.



Echoing these sentiments, Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s Executive Secretary, highlighted the economic benefits the Wanchi project brings to the local community, attracting visitors from within Ethiopia and globally. He stressed the need for investment in natural tourism and cited Ethiopia’s rich tourism resources, emphasizing the untapped potential of sites like Wanchi, Sof Omar, and Bale mountains.



U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, also expressed his admiration for the Wanchi-Dandi Ecotourism Village, comparing it favorably to other beautiful natural spots he has seen worldwide. Ambassador Massinga highlighted the project’s role in creating job opportunities and developing infrastructure, contributing significantly to local communities.



Massinga also pointed out that such public investments in tourism infrastructure could inspire private sector involvement, both within Ethiopia and internationally, to further explore and develop tourism potentials.



The Wanchi-Dandi Ecotourism Village project, an initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, launched in 2021, has now emerged as a prominent example of sustainable and community-inclusive ecotourism in Africa.