ADDIS ABABA — A group of former African footballers, renowned artists, and fashion designers visited the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) today, coinciding with their participation in the 'Shenen Africa Festival' in Ethiopia's capital. The visit, led by the Ethiopian Ministers of Tourism and Irrigation, highlighted the dam's development impacts and its significance to the region.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the celebrities received a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing construction and the expected benefits of GERD for Ethiopia. This visit forms part of a broader engagement during the Shenen Africa Festival, which opened on Friday at the Adwa Victory Museum and features a wide array of African talent including former Nigerian footballer Nwankwo Kanu, actors, models, and other professionals from across the continent.

Ambassador Nasise emphasized the importance of sports and the arts in fostering connections among Africans during her opening remarks at the festival. The event also serves as a platform to showcase Ethiopian tourism and cultural attractions, with activities including Ethiopian coffee tastings and a fashion show scheduled to continue through the upcoming Sunday.