Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
By Chekole Alemu
First Ethiopian Gastronomy Festival Expo Opens in Addis Ababa, Highlighting Economic and Tourism Opportunities
The First Ethiopian Gastronomy Festival Expo officially opened in Addis Ababa, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to position its rich culinary heritage as both a cultural asset and an economic driver.
Organized by Golden Group in collaboration with the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission, the festival brings together chefs, restaurateurs, food producers, hospitality professionals, and cultural institutions from across the country. It places Ethiopian cuisine at the center of a broader conversation about tourism development, city branding, and creative industry growth.
Ethiopia’s food culture, shaped by centuries of history and diverse regional traditions, has long been recognized informally through its global diaspora and growing number of Ethiopian restaurants abroad. This expo represents a more deliberate move to package gastronomy as a strategic sector, linking food, culture, tourism, and business.
For the Addis Ababa City Administration, the festival presents a clear opportunity. As the country’s political and diplomatic capital, Addis Ababa already serves as a gateway for international visitors. By hosting a large-scale gastronomy expo, the city strengthens its appeal as a cultural destination, encouraging longer stays, higher tourist spending, and repeat visits. Events of this nature also support the administration’s broader goals of diversifying the city’s economy beyond traditional services.
The expo creates direct and indirect economic benefits. Local food businesses gain visibility, small and medium enterprises can connect with suppliers and investors, and hospitality operators benefit from increased demand. It also opens space for job creation across catering, event management, logistics, agriculture supply chains, and creative services such as media and branding.
Officials and industry participants note that gastronomy tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments globally. Cities that successfully market their food culture often see strong returns in destination branding and international recognition. For Addis Ababa, positioning itself as the home of Ethiopian gastronomy aligns naturally with its existing role as a continental meeting point and conference hub.
Beyond economics, the festival also carries soft power value. Showcasing Ethiopian cuisine in an organized, international-standard setting helps shape global perceptions of the country, moving narratives beyond politics and crisis toward culture, creativity, and opportunity.
The First Ethiopian Gastronomy Festival Expo signals a shift in how culture is leveraged for development. For Addis Ababa, it is not just a celebration of food, but a practical platform to attract investment, promote tourism, and strengthen the city’s image as a vibrant and competitive African capital.
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