The Ethiopian Diaspora Service reported that members of the diaspora have raised $1.7 million in the past four months alone, underscoring their deepening role in national development, particularly the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Green Legacy Initiative.

In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Fitsum Arega, Director General of the Ethiopian Diaspora Service, said the contribution forms part of a broader financial and technical support package from the diaspora. To date, millions of dollars have been funneled into GERD through bond purchases and direct donations. In addition to financial support, the diaspora has contributed technical expertise in hydrology, dam engineering, and fisheries.

On the environmental front, diaspora engagement has also been visible in the Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen the planting of billions of trees, including high-value species such as fruit and coffee. Initiated in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the reforestation campaign is tied to Ethiopia’s long-term goals for environmental sustainability and export diversification. This year, Ethiopia readied 8.4 billion seedlings, surpassing its 7.5 billion target, and covered approximately 1.9 million hectares, including over 492,000 hectares with detailed planting maps

Beyond financial and technical support, Ambassador Fitsum noted that diaspora-led diplomatic advocacy has helped bolster Ethiopia’s international standing, particularly around contentious issues related to GERD. Many in the diaspora also bring specialized expertise in international law, economics, and diplomacy.

The government, Fitsum said, continues to deepen diaspora ties through investment incentives and targeted outreach. Holiday visits, community-led initiatives, and direct participation in development projects are being positioned as key pillars of engagement, aiming to convert emotional ties into structured economic collaboration.

Historically, Ethiopia issued its first GERD diaspora bond in 2011–12, raising $5.8 million from around 3,100 U.S. investors.