Addis Ababa, October 27, 2026 (FMC) – The successful hosting of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar demonstrates Ethiopia’s growing capacity to organize major international conferences beyond the capital, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiyat Getachew has said.
In an interview with Fana Media Corporation, Ambassador Nebiyat said the forum had concluded successfully in Bahir Dar, bringing together African leaders, diplomats, scholars and other stakeholders to deliberate on peace, security and economic sovereignty across the continent.
He highlighted the high-level participation, including Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo and Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, as one of the features that distinguished this year’s gathering.
Ambassador Nebiyat said the forum provided an opportunity to address the economic foundations of Africa’s political independence, particularly the importance of food security and economic sovereignty in enabling countries to withstand external pressures.
He noted that discussions underscored the risks African countries face when they cannot secure their economic and food needs. Ethiopia presented its efforts to strengthen food security as part of its broader drive to build economic sovereignty.
“Political independence cannot be secured without economic sovereignty,” the ambassador said, explaining that Ethiopia was working to strengthen both food security and its economic independence.
Beyond its diplomatic and security significance, the forum is expected to contribute to Ethiopia’s development of conference tourism, a sector that attracts international visitors and creates opportunities for businesses in hospitality, transport, accommodation and related services.
Ambassador Nebiyat emphasized that holding the forum in Bahir Dar, rather than Addis Ababa, demonstrated Ethiopia’s capacity to host major international gatherings in other cities. The experience could help expand the geographical reach of conference tourism and showcase destinations beyond the capital.
He cited figures indicating that Ethiopia hosted 204 international conferences between 2025 and 2026, describing the Tana Forum as an additional opportunity to strengthen the country’s experience and capacity in hosting international events.
The forum’s successful organization in Bahir Dar highlights the potential for cities outside Addis Ababa to play a greater role in international diplomacy and business events, while creating opportunities to connect conference activities with local tourism and economic development.
For Ethiopia, expanding conference tourism involves more than attracting high-profile gatherings. It also offers a way to showcase the country’s destinations, strengthen tourism-related services and distribute the economic benefits of international events across a wider range of cities.
Ambassador Nebiyat’s assessment places the Tana Forum within this broader opportunity, linking Ethiopia’s growing experience in international conference hosting with its efforts to promote food security, economic sovereignty and tourism development.