Ministers responsible for tourism across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region today launched the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034, marking a significant milestone for the region’s tourism industry.

The launch event, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, gathered high-level dignitaries, including IGAD Executive Secretary H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu; H.E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Commerce and Tourism, Djibouti; H.E. Ambassador Nasise Challi, Minister of Tourism, Ethiopia; Hon. Daud Aweys Jama, Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Somalia; H.E. Rizik Zakaria Hassan, Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, South Sudan; H.E. Bahinduka Martin Mugarra, Minister of State for Tourism, Uganda; and the UNECA Regional Director.

Jointly developed with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the STMP sets out a strategic framework for sustainable tourism across IGAD member states. The plan is designed to enhance the region’s global competitiveness as a unified tourism destination, while also driving socio-economic growth, poverty reduction, and regional integration.

The STMP addresses the region’s vast tourism potential, from its rich cultural heritage and archaeological sites to its diverse natural landscapes. Despite these assets, the IGAD region has historically held a limited share in global tourism. The new plan seeks to tackle these challenges by attracting investment, promoting regional cooperation, and establishing tourism as a key driver of economic development.