Ethiopian Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa disclosed that Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie on Tuesday visited Addis Ababa to discuss nurturing Ethiopian talent within the global creative landscape.
The meeting centred on empowering young Ethiopians and showcasing their narrative prowess on an international stage.
The discussion with Minister Selamawit emphasised the crucial role of Ethiopian voices in crafting and disseminating their own stories.
For her part, Jolie stressed that this initiative shouldn’t be exclusive to Ethiopia, but rather a blueprint for fostering similar creative autonomy across the African continent.
The meeting was publicly announced by the minister on her social media platforms, sparking immediate interest from both local and international media outlets.
While in the Ethiopian capital, Jolie also explored the Palace Museum, one of Addis Ababa’s most prominent tourist destinations.
The museum, once the residence of Ethiopian emperors, offers a captivating glimpse into the nation's rich history and cultural heritage.
The visit underscores Jolie's reported commitment to experiencing and understanding diverse cultures.
"I would like to sincerely thank Angelina Jolie for her heartfelt affection for Ethiopia and for the support she extends in various fields, including tourism," Minister Selamawit conveyed, highlighting the actress's multifaceted engagement with the country.
Jolie’s involvement could significantly boost Ethiopia's tourism sector and its burgeoning creative industries.
Her influence and advocacy could provide opportunities and resources needed to cultivate a generation of Ethiopian filmmakers, writers, musicians, and artists capable of contributing meaningfully to global cultural discourse.
This visit follows a pattern of Jolie using her prominent platform to support humanitarian and cultural causes, particularly in Africa.
The precise nature of Jolie’s planned support remains undisclosed, but indications are that it will involve mentorship programs and international collaboration opportunities.
Local artists are already expressing optimism that the star's presence can generate both visibility and investment in their work.
