Keypoints:
- Horn of Africa leaders jointly inaugurate Shabeely Resort
- Project positions Somali Region as a regional tourism hub
- Leaders frame hospitality as economic and diplomatic bridge
THE opening of Shabeely Resort in Ethiopia’s Somali Region has been presented by Horn of Africa leaders as a strategic investment in tourism-led development, regional cooperation and cultural diplomacy, marking a rare moment of shared political symbolism centred on economic integration rather than security.
Leaders from across the Horn of Africa have jointly inaugurated the Shabeely Resort in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, signalling a renewed effort to position tourism as a bridge for regional cooperation and economic growth in a historically marginalised area.
The inauguration ceremony was held in Jigjiga and attended by senior political leaders from Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti. According to Hiiraan Online, the high-level turnout reflected the project’s regional significance, with officials framing the resort as a shared asset rather than a purely national development.
Shabeely Resort is among the most ambitious hospitality and leisure projects undertaken in the Somali Region to date. Regional authorities say the development is intended to reposition the area as a destination for domestic and cross-border tourism, leveraging shared cultural heritage and proximity to neighbouring states.
Tourism as regional diplomacy
Speaking at the event, leaders emphasised tourism’s role as a soft economic instrument capable of strengthening people-to-people ties across borders that have long been shaped by trade, migration and shared identity.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the project as a symbol of regional confidence and collaboration, noting that economic integration would be critical to long-term stability in the Horn, Hiiraan Online reported. Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh echoed that sentiment, highlighting tourism’s capacity to unlock private sector investment while promoting cultural exchange.
Ethiopian officials, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said the Somali Region’s transformation reflected a broader national effort to diversify economic development beyond traditional growth centres. They pointed to improvements in infrastructure, security and urban planning as foundations for attracting visitors and investors.
Inside the Shabeely Resort
Developed under Ethiopia’s expanding domestic tourism strategy, Shabeely Resort spans several hundred hectares and combines leisure, cultural and conference facilities. The site includes landscaped parks, pedestrian walkways, hospitality venues and spaces designed to showcase Somali traditions and heritage.
Officials involved in the project say the resort is designed to function both as a recreational hub for local residents and a venue for regional events, business meetings and cultural festivals. The inclusion of large open areas and exhibition spaces reflects an effort to ensure year-round activity rather than seasonal tourism.
Economic expectations
Regional authorities expect the resort to generate employment opportunities and stimulate supporting businesses in transport, catering, crafts and services. While no official employment figures have been released, officials say Shabeely forms part of a broader plan to revitalise Jigjiga’s urban economy and strengthen its role as a commercial gateway.
Analysts note that the resort’s primary market is likely to be domestic and regional travellers in the near term, particularly visitors from Somalia and Djibouti. Over time, improved air connectivity and sustained marketing could broaden its appeal to international visitors.
Symbolism beyond tourism
Beyond its economic ambitions, the joint inauguration carried clear political symbolism. In a region often defined by division, the collective presence of Horn of Africa leaders was interpreted as a deliberate signal of cooperation through development and culture.
As reported by Hiiraan Online, officials described Shabeely Resort as part of a longer-term vision to reposition the Somali Region as a bridge between economies rather than a peripheral frontier.
