Over 74,000 second generation diaspora visit Ethiopia in first round: Diaspora Service 

Addis Ababa, March 31, 2024 (FBC) – More than 74,000 second-generation of Ethiopian Diaspora have visited their ancestral homeland in the first phase alone, according to the Ethiopian Diaspora Service.

It is worth recalling that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated this homecoming program to reconnect the Second-generation Ethiopian Diaspora with their origin and inspire them in order to contribute to the development of the country.

Ethiopian Diaspora Service Community Development Acting Director, Nebyu Solomon revealed that the second generation of Ethiopian Diaspora has been invited to come in three-rounds from 30th December 2023 to the end of September 2024.

According to the acting director, the first-phase homecoming under the motto “Connect to Your Culture” was carried out from 30th December to 8th February 2024, ENA reported.

In the first-round more than 74,000 second-generation Ethiopian Diaspora have come to their homeland, adding that it is a satisfactory turn out and was imperative to offer informative events about Ethiopian history as well as culture.

Nebyu highlighted that the first-round homecoming program was successful, stating, second-generation Diaspora members have demonstrated their enthusiasm, and many expressed satisfaction with their experience.

He further indicated that those Diaspora members have pledged to play a role in Ethiopia’s development endeavors.

The second-generation Ethiopian Diaspora members have also visited various tourism cities of the country and the ongoing development projects in the country, he indicated.

And the second-round homecoming under the motto “Connect to Your History” has been already launched and will last till 8th May 2024, Nebyu stated.

In this phase, opportunities will be facilitated to the Diaspora members in order to visit heritage sites including the newly built Adwa Victory Memorial museum.

Nebyu underscored that the visit will help them to properly realize Ethiopia’s role in Pan-Africanism, stating “we hope to inspire them to carry this legacy forward.”