Dembi Eco Lodge: A Window into Ethiopia’s Untapped Natural Wealth
Nestled in 36.7 hectares of pristine forest in Southwest Ethiopia, Dembi Eco Lodge is more than a destination—it is a testament to a nation’s commitment to unlocking its hidden treasures.
Addis Ababa, June 24, 2018 (FMC) — Ethiopia stands among the world’s foremost nations, blessed with a wealth of both tangible and intangible heritage. Yet for too long, these natural and man-made resources—capable of becoming tourism powerhouses—remained hidden, their beauty obscured by decades of neglect and a fundamental misunderstanding of their value .
That era is coming to an end.
Through the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, the Ethiopian government identified tourism as one of five key pillars for national transformation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), a series of ambitious projects have breathed new life into the country’s tourism landscape .
The results are visible across the nation—from the rejuvenation of Addis Ababa’s green spaces under the “Dine for Sheger” initiative, to the development of heritage destinations under “Dine for the Nation.” The “Dine for a Generation” project continues this momentum, transforming previously undiscovered locations into world-class destinations. Among these, Dembi Eco Lodge stands as a striking example of what can be achieved when vision meets action.
Where Nature Meets Architecture
Located in the Bench Sheko Zone of the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region, near the town of Mizan Aman, Dembi Eco Lodge represents a new chapter in Ethiopian tourism . Opened in January 2018, it is the first of the “Dine for a Generation” projects to be completed and inaugurated.
The lodge is perched on a dramatic 36.7-hectare site of dense forest, where architectural design harmonises with the natural splendour of the landscape. Here, visitors don’t simply observe nature—they become part of it. The lodge’s construction combines modern and traditional craftsmanship, using local materials and relying on Ethiopian expertise, in a unique public-private partnership.
Dembi Eco Lodge integrates world-class accommodation with a design that merges contemporary and traditional aesthetics. The restaurant spaces are architectural marvels—blending heritage and innovation—while celebrating the culture and music of the local community. With its doors open to both domestic and international guests, the lodge serves as a cultural ambassador, introducing visitors to the richness of the region’s traditions.
A Model of Sustainability and Community Engagement
Dembi Eco Lodge is powered entirely by renewable energy, reflecting Ethiopia’s strong commitment to environmental conservation . This is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is a statement—a declaration that tourism and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand.
The lodge’s impact extends far beyond its boundaries. The project is a model of collaboration between government and private sector, built with the highest quality standards by Midroc Ethiopia using local materials and Ethiopian professionals. It is also one of the first tourism destinations in Ethiopia to adopt a shared ownership model, ensuring that the local community has a stake in the benefits tourism brings.
A Symbol of Ethiopia’s Tourism Transformation
Dembi Eco Lodge stands as a permanent witness to what Ethiopia can achieve when its immense natural and man-made resources are developed and transformed into a solid economic asset . It demonstrates how the country’s tourism sector can become competitive and preferred on the global stage—while also increasing the sector’s contribution to national prosperity.
The story of Dembi Eco Lodge is not just about a beautiful lodge in a forest. It is about a nation awakening to its potential. It is about turning hidden wealth into visible value. It is about the transformation of Ethiopia—one destination, one visitor, one story at a time.
Ethiopia’s hidden wealth is no longer hidden. The world is invited to come and see—and the world has not seen enough.
Exclusive: Prosperity Party Officials Accused of Colluding with Security Forces to Thwart Opposition in Oromia Ahead of June Elections
FINFINNE – With less than three months until Ethiopia’s seventh general elections, scheduled for June 1, 2026, the political atmosphere in the Oromia region is becoming increasingly charged. Sources within several zones and districts have revealed to local media that officials from the ruling Prosperity Party (PP) are moving secretly through communities, allegedly instructing party and security bodies to disrupt opposition activities.
According to accounts collected from residents in multiple districts, PP leaders at the zonal and district level are holding undisclosed meetings with security apparatuses. These sources claim that directives have been issued to monitor and crack down on political rivals rather than allowing them to campaign freely.
“People in our districts and zones are not speaking out,” one resident told a local reporter on condition of anonymity. “They told us in secret that directives are being given to party and security offices to work against us. They are using the election as a cover while they try to move through Oromia to stir up trouble and spy on opposition activities.”
The informants specifically identified concerns regarding the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). Community members expressed that while they have no issue with the OLF contesting elections peacefully, they oppose the idea of the party using the electoral process as a pretext for movement and mobilization across the region under the current circumstances.
“If the OLF wants to compete, let them do so like they do in Addis Ababa, but campaigning inside Oromia is a concern for our party,” a source quoted local PP hardliners as arguing. “But now they are moving through the zones and entering districts. If they are not allowed to compete, it is very worrying. Therefore, we need to follow their movements and take action preemptively.”
These allegations point to a strategy of preemptive disruption, with reports suggesting that regional officials are coordinating with unspecified parties to monitor and counter the opposition’s reach into rural constituencies.
The claims come amid a backdrop of severe political fragmentation and security concerns. Analysts note that the Oromia region, which holds the largest number of parliamentary seats (178 seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives and 537 in the regional council) , remains a volatile battleground. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) insurgency continues in several zones, including East and West Wollega, rendering large areas insecure and complicating logistical preparations for the vote.
Opposition parties have long argued that the playing field is tilted. The Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) has previously stated that participating in elections while its leaders are imprisoned or under threat would be “politics over the graves of its people” . In a joint statement issued late last year, a coalition of ten opposition parties, including the OLF and OFC, warned that proceeding without “enabling conditions”—such as the release of political prisoners, the reopening of party offices, and guarantees of freedom of movement—would result in a “sham democracy”.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has cleared over 60 political parties to contest and approved 45 domestic observer groups . However, logistical and security hurdles remain daunting. A recent report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) highlighted that freedom of movement is “under siege” in multiple regions, with roadblocks, ambushes, and curfews making it nearly impossible for civilians and candidates to move safely—a prerequisite for any credible election.
“The NEBE must evolve from a mere administrator of rules to a courageous facilitator of political consensus,” wrote Sultan Kassim, an OFC official, in a recent analysis. “An election that is boycotted or only symbolically contested will not resolve Ethiopia’s deep-seated political questions. It will exacerbate them.”.
The residents who spoke out warn that the alleged collusion between party officials and security forces threatens to undermine the will of the Oromo people. “We send a message of brotherhood to everyone holding onto their Oromo identity in the zones and districts,” a resident pleaded. “Do not accept these directives they are giving you. Do not let them drag you into committing a crime against your own people.”
As the June 1 polling date approaches , the credibility of the election hangs in the balance. The combination of active insurgencies, restricted civic space, and deepening distrust between the ruling party and opposition forces suggests that without urgent corrective measures, the 2026 vote may struggle to confer legitimacy or unify the nation.
Oromedia 