…as Cultural Showcase Deepens Accra–Addis Ababa Ties
Ghana has taken a major step to expand its tourism diplomacy and intra-African cooperation with a cultural and investment activation held in Ethiopia under the “Ghana Month at Kuriftu African Village” initiative.
The three-day programme, staged at the Kuriftu Resort and Spa in Addis Ababa, brought together government officials, diplomats, tourism operators, investors, creatives and development partners to promote Ghana’s cultural assets while strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and Ethiopia.
The initiative was organised by Tyobista Girma, Founder of Bridge54, a Pan-African trade and collaboration platform, and coordinated by Mr Rex Omar, Coordinator of the Black Star Experience Secretariat. It was hosted by Ethiopian hospitality entrepreneur Mr Tadiwos Belete, Founder and CEO of Kuriftu Resort and Spa.
A central feature of the event was a high-level dialogue themed “Ghana and Ethiopia: Why This Conversation Matters Now,” which examined how both countries can deepen cooperation in tourism, aviation, trade, investment and cultural exchange.
The panel included Dr Robert Afriyie, Ghana’s Ambassador to Ethiopia; Mr Silesh Girma, Ethiopia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism; and Mr Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Mr Aggrey highlighted tourism diplomacy as a key pillar of Ghana’s Black Star Experience agenda, stressing that stronger cultural and historical ties between Ghana and Ethiopia could unlock new opportunities in tourism development and the creative economy.
Another discussion focused on culture and tourism as economic drivers, where stakeholders explored how creative industries can generate jobs, boost identity and contribute to economic transformation across Africa.
The programme also featured a session on strengthening city-to-city collaboration between Accra and Addis Ababa, with proposals for joint festivals, destination marketing and cultural exchange programmes.
Participants were treated to a rich showcase of Ghanaian heritage, including a fashion exhibition themed “Ghana and Ethiopia Through Fabric, Form and Culture,” alongside chocolate-tasting experiences, shea butter displays, and cultural product exhibitions.
Institutions such as the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and the Ghana Tourism Authority also participated, showcasing investment opportunities and tourism products alongside private sector exhibitors.
The event attracted diplomats, African Union and United Nations representatives, as well as members of the international business and tourism community.
Stakeholders say the activation marks an important milestone in strengthening Ghana–Ethiopia relations, positioning culture, creativity and tourism as strategic tools for Pan-African economic integration and growth.
