Ethiopian Diaspora contribute $36 mln for GERD

Addis Ababa, March 5, 2016 (FBC) – Ethiopian Diaspora have so far contributed 36 million US dollars for the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

However, compared to their number, more contribution is expected from them, Michael Tobias, Diaspora Coordination Director at the Ministry said.

He added more than 25,000 Ethiopian Diaspora have engaged in various investment sectors in their home country and they have managed to transfer 3.7 billion US dollars to the country last fiscal year alone.

According to Demeke Atnafu, Diaspora Engagement Affairs Director at MoFA, investment from the Diaspora is increasing following the celebration of the First Diaspora Day held last August.

Ethiopian Diaspora residing abroad recently laid foundation stone to build a multipurpose mall in Addis Ababa at a cost of 2.6 billion birr.

The mall will create jobs for 45, 000 people.