# Ethiopia Inaugurates Aysha-II Wind and Shabeely Resort

> Horn Diplomat reported that Ethiopia opened Aysha-II wind project and Shabeely Resort in Somali Region, but details remain unconfirmed.

- By: Editorial Team, Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com/about)
- Published: 30 September 2026
- Format: News story (reported from one named public source)
- Publication: Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com)
- Subject: Infrastructure and Services
- Tags: utilities, construction-risk, procurement
- Web version: https://somaliconstructionreview.com/blog/ethiopia-inaugurates-aysha-ii-wind-shabeely-resort

## Key points

- On 2026-01-31 Horn Diplomat reported that Ethiopia inaugurated the Aysha-II wind power project and Shabeely Resort in its Somali Region.
- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Aysha-II has an annual generation capacity of 467 GWh, a claim not independently confirmed.
- The report provides no project value, contractor, funder, or power purchase arrangement for Aysha-II, and no subsequent operational data.

Ethiopia inaugurated a major wind power facility and a flagship tourism resort in its Somali Region on Saturday, Jan 31, 2026, according to Horn Diplomat. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially opened the Aysha-II Wind Power Project, a large-scale renewable energy investment located in the Somali Region, the outlet reported.

The report does not establish what has happened since the inauguration. Horn Diplomat's article, published on 2026-01-31, states that the ceremony was attended by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, senior Ethiopian officials, regional leaders, elders, and local residents.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Office said Aysha-II represents a decisive step toward securing stable and reliable power. Abiy said the project has an annual generation capacity of 467 gigawatt hours, describing it as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s energy security strategy. He added that the Aysha plains are among East Africa’s strongest wind corridors and strategically positioned near regional borders, strengthening Ethiopia’s ambition to become a hub for cross-border energy trade. Abiy said the government is committed to converting Ethiopia’s natural endowment into a shared resource that binds the Horn of Africa together.

At the same event, Abiy inaugurated the Shabeely Resort, a large tourism and cultural development in the Somali Region under the government’s Dine for Generations initiative. Officials say the project is designed to promote sustainable tourism, showcase Somali regional heritage, and position Jigjiga and surrounding areas as emerging national and regional tourist destinations. Abiy said Shabeely is a living expression of the rich heritage of the Somali Region, blending modern architecture with ancient traditions. He called the eastern region project a significant milestone in a promise to make Ethiopia one of Africa’s top tourist destinations.

The Horn Diplomat report does not state the project value, contract value, contractor, consultant, funder, or power purchase arrangement for Aysha-II. The annual generation capacity figure of 467 GWh is attributed to Abiy and has not been independently confirmed. The report also does not provide any data on the actual operational status or output of Aysha-II after the inauguration.

In addition, the article page displays a different date, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, though the dateline says Jan 31. Horn Diplomat's article is the only source in this report.

## Questions

### What is the annual generation capacity of Aysha-II?

Abiy Ahmed said Aysha-II has an annual generation capacity of 467 gigawatt hours, as reported by Horn Diplomat. This figure is not independently confirmed.

### Who are the developers and financiers of Aysha-II?

The Horn Diplomat report does not name any developers, contractors, consultants, or funders for Aysha-II.

### Has the project started generating power?

The Horn Diplomat article reports the inauguration but provides no information on operational status or actual output after the event.

## Sources

- [Ethiopia Unveils Landmark Aysha-II Wind Power Project and Flagship Tourism Resort in Somali Region](https://www.horndiplomat.com/ethiopia-unveils-landmark-aysha-ii-wind-power-project-and-flagship-tourism-resort-in-somali-region/) — Horn Diplomat, 2026-01-31