Afar: The Land of Beauty and Nature’s Bounty

When I think of Afar, the first things that come to mind are the region’s natural beauty, its abundant resources, and the resilience of its people, who steadfastly defend their homeland in the face of adversity. Contrary to the common perception of Afar as a land of scarcity and climate-induced conflict, the Afar Regional State is, in fact, a region of hope, promise, and untapped potential.

From the warmth and hospitality of its people to the stunning sunsets and picturesque landscapes, Afar is a hidden gem in Ethiopia’s journey toward economic prosperity. The region offers a fascinating contrast of modern mechanized farms, irrigation tunnels, and vast livestock herds, alongside breathtaking active volcanoes and rich mineral deposits.

Amid Ethiopia's recurring challenges, such as low development levels, internal conflicts, and droughts exacerbated by climate change, Afar stands as a beacon of hope, with a promise of a brighter, more prosperous future. On a recent business trip to the region, I was struck by the vast potential Afar holds for Ethiopia’s national economy.

Stretching from central to northeastern Ethiopia, Afar lies along the East African Rift Valley. It borders Eritrea to the northeast, Tigray to the northwest, Oromia to the southwest, the Somali Region to the south, and Djibouti to the east. This strategic location provides vital economic connections between Addis Ababa and the broader East African economic corridor.

The region is characterized by an arid and semi-arid climate, with low and erratic rainfall, averaging just 490 mm annually. Afar typically receives only about 66.43 mm of rain, spread over 108.64 rainy days each year. Despite the scorching heat and relentless sunshine, these conditions make Afar an ideal location for solar energy production. As Ethiopia continues to struggle with unreliable power sources, the potential for solar energy in Afar is a game-changer.

Afar is also home to a thriving livestock industry. From camel herders to cattle ranchers and goat keepers, the region’s livestock sector offers significant opportunities for both domestic food production and export. Ethiopia’s long-standing heritage in horn cattle farming, which ranks the country 10th in the world and 1st in Africa, is well-represented in Afar, even though productivity remains low. However, this is set to change with the development of new industrial parks in the region.

A land-use study suggests that about 7% of Afar’s total land area is suitable for crop production, while over 22% could be developed for agricultural purposes. The livestock population is considerable, with an estimated 700,000 cattle, 300,000 camels, and 3 million small livestock.

With an area of 96,707 square kilometers and a population density of just over 14 people per square kilometer, Afar is home to roughly 2 million people.

Ethiopia has implemented various national development plans over the past six decades aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth, both nationally and regionally. Although the region’s GDP has been growing, per capita income remains below the national average. The service sector dominates the local economy, but industrial growth has stagnated, indicating that past development policies have not fully addressed the region’s economic challenges.

Afar’s regional GDP is projected to grow from 19.3 billion Birr in 2023 to 21.7 billion Birr by 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 10%. To achieve sustainable development, future policies must not only prioritize economic growth but also focus on social development within local communities. This includes strengthening institutional capacity, improving governance, and leveraging agricultural resources to benefit both agro-pastoralists and pastoralists, as agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy.

Afar also has immense historical and cultural significance. As the birthplace of “Lucy” and home to the Danakil Depression, it attracts tourists from all over the world. With proper infrastructure and hospitality services, Afar could become a premier tourist destination, comparable to Kenya’s renowned safari tourism.

Since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office, he has pledged to develop Afar into a major tourist destination, emphasizing its rich history and abundant natural resources as key assets for the region’s growth. During a discussion with regional representatives, the Prime Minister highlighted that Afar is the home of Lucy, the "grandmother of humanity," a 3.2-million-year-old fossil of Australopithecus afarensis, which holds significant scientific and cultural value.

Key tourist attractions in Afar include the Afar Depression, the Erta Ale active volcano, Awash National Park, Yangudi Rassa National Park, and the Hadar and Aramis archaeological sites. The region also boasts hot springs, a rich cultural heritage, and traditional cultural games that can further boost its tourism potential.

Beyond tourism, Afar is also rich in natural resources. The region’s volcanic activity has led to the presence of valuable minerals such as potash, sulfur, salt, bentonite, and gypsum. These minerals, along with geothermal energy and hot springs, offer significant economic opportunities.

• Potash is used widely in fertilizers, improving crop yields and conserving water. It also has applications in manufacturing food products, soap, glass, and chemicals, as well as in de-icing roads.

• Sulfur is essential in various industries, including car battery production, fertilizers, oil refining, and the production of rubber, paper, and cement.

• Salt from Afar is used for food preservation, pickling, and manufacturing chemicals like chlorine and caustic soda. It also plays a critical role in the production of paper, tires, and brass.

• Bentonite, a clay formed from volcanic ash, is used in foundry sand, animal feed pellets, and detoxifying products. It also has a wide range of industrial applications.

• Gypsum is important for manufacturing cement, drywall, and various other industrial products, as well as in agriculture to improve soil quality.

In addition to these natural resources, the Semera Industrial Park, which was launched under Prime Minister Abiy’s leadership, has become a cornerstone of regional industrialization.

Once completed, it is expected to create over 20,000 jobs. Companies such as Aforo Trading, AGY PLC, and Sino Salt PLC are setting up operations at the park, including the production of table salt and licking salt, which will help improve livestock productivity and contribute to the health of the population.

The Awash River, which runs through the region, plays a critical role in supporting irrigated agriculture, fishing, and eco-tourism. Local youth are engaged in fish trading, while the river is home to various wildlife, including crocodiles, adding to the region's ecological diversity.

Prime Minister Abiy has also launched a tourism initiative to transform Ethiopia’s tourism sector by developing infrastructure, including parks, world-class lodges, urban road improvements, greening public spaces, and creating animal sanctuaries.

Given the region's rich natural resources, historical significance, and breathtaking landscapes, Afar is poised to become a critical driver of Ethiopia’s economic development. When I think of Afar, I do not see a land of scarcity, but one of abundance and untapped potential. It is a region that, with the right investment and policy support, can play a major role in Ethiopia’s economic future. It is better to harness this potential now than to let it remain untapped.

By: Pawlos Belete

Head, Corporate Communications

Industrial Parks Development Corporation

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