Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has brought national focus to the Bale Zone, concluding a high-level visit to review a suite of major tourism and infrastructure projects that he described as demonstrating the "powerful nexus between natural wonders and development progress."

The Prime Minister's visit, which was prominently shared on his official social media pages, spotlighted the nearing completion of new tourism hubs—the Dinsho Lodge in the Bale Mountains National Park and the Sof Omer Luxury Lodge near the Sof Omer Cave. These initiatives are set to be cornerstones of Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan, positioning tourism as a key economic driver.

The review also included the major Robe–Goro–Sof Omer–Ginir Junction Road Upgrading Project, a vital infrastructure link designed to connect the highly productive agricultural zones of East Bale with central Ethiopia and improve travel between the region's main attractions.

A final review of the Weib River Flood Control Project underscored the government's commitment to sustainability, ensuring year-round access and safeguarding the ecosystem of the Sof Omer Cave. These combined efforts, the Prime Minister noted, reflect an unwavering commitment to sustainable development in the region.