Ethiopia's Ministry of Tourism has announced a significant policy shift aimed at unlocking the nation's vast water tourism potential: the government will now allow the duty-free import of motorized boats. This strategic decision, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance's recent grant of duty-free privileges, is poised to diversify Ethiopia's tourism offerings, which have historically been concentrated in only a few sectors despite the country's rich array of natural and man-made attractions.

State Minister of Tourism, Seleshi Girma, underscored the importance of this measure, stating that it aligns directly with the government's broader policy to establish tourism as a crucial pillar of national economic growth. He highlighted that the initiative is expected to substantially enhance the tourism sector's contribution to the national economy while simultaneously generating increased employment opportunities across the country.

Beyond the duty-free scheme for motorized boats, the government is also making concerted investments in related infrastructure development, actively expanding investment opportunities within the sector, and committed to building a highly skilled workforce to support and strengthen the burgeoning industry. Girma emphasized that this multifaceted approach demonstrates a profound governmental commitment not only to fostering water tourism but also to promoting water sports, thereby broadening the scope of recreational activities available.

“This decision is not only about broadening tourism destinations; it reflects the government's focus on tapping into the country's rich water resources for tourism and recreation,” State Minister Girma affirmed, pointing to a holistic vision for utilizing Ethiopia's lakes and rivers. The move has been widely welcomed by industry professionals. Ethiopian tour guide Ndi Assefa praised the initiative as a