The Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Environment, in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has inaugurated the East African Pastoralist Expo at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa. The expo, themed “Pastoralism of the East African Union – Color,” will span seven consecutive days.

With the participation of over 1,200 pastoralists from the East African region, including more than 950 from Ethiopia and over 250 from other countries, the expo aims to showcase and celebrate the lifestyle of pastoralists. It will feature panel discussions, exhibitions, and various related events.

The primary objectives of the East African Pastoralist Expo are to foster regional trade, strengthen development linkages, promote mutual benefit, and address the challenges faced by pastoralist communities in a sustainable manner. The Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Areas, in collaboration with IGAD, has organized the event with these goals in mind.

The expo has attracted numerous guests from East African countries, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing the development ties between Ethiopian pastoralists and their counterparts in the neighboring nations. This collective effort will contribute to finding joint solutions to the challenges faced by pastoralist communities.

Distinguished attendees at the expo include Tageese Chafo, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federation, Aisha Mohamed, the Minister of Irrigation and Lowland Environment, Nassise Chali, the Ministry of Tourism, and representatives of pastoralist communities from various East African countries. The expo will run from January 26 to February 1, 2024.