The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Inks Agreement with Oromia Developer to Co-Develop Special Economic Zone

The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) signed an agreement with Gadaa Special Economic Zone Development Corporation (GSEZ) on Tuesday August 15 to develop a special economy zone in the Oromia region.

Named after the UNESCO inscribed Oromo people’s indigenous, democratic government system known as “Gadaa,” over 46 billion Birr is planned for the construction of the zone that will connect the cities of Mojo, Adama, and Shashemane.

Shimelis Abdisa, president of Oromia Regional State where the zone is located, noted that with the zone, the East African country can transform its economy by attracting foreign investors.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Zhao Zhiyuan said he hopes the project “will enjoy a good and bright future.”

Happy to witness the signing ceremony of GADA Special Economic Zone between CCECC and @Gadasez，together with Amb. Girma Birru and @Shimelisabdisa！I hope it will enjoy a good and bright future. pic.twitter.com/a4Hh5HgaKM

— Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia (@ChinaEmbAddis) August 15, 2023

Guo Chongfeng, general manager of CCECC Ethiopia, said the Chinese construction giant will integrate its resources to help make the special economic zone a reality.

While this project is likely to cement the partnership between China and Oromia, facilitating the industrialization of the region in particular and the country in general, it is in the best interest of the Oromo leadership to launch a national dialogue in Oromia to bring peace so that projects such as this can become a reality.

Not too long ago, in this very same location slated for this project and where the Gadaa system is practiced, Ethiopian government security forces abducted 41 Gadaa community leaders, brutally beating and executing at least 14.