Investment

The objective of this project is to encourage investors to make investments at Gorgora. GRDA strongly believes that Gorgora has a lot of natural resources that provide ample choices and opportunities for a typical investor. Some of the investment opportunities at Gorgora are: agriculture, agro-industry, and tourism.

Agriculture

The economy of Gorgora and its surroundings is mainly based on agriculture. Since most of the land around Gorgora lies around Lake Tana, with its abundant water resources and favorable climate, the area is ideally suited for horticulture, fruits, vegetables, different crops, and even coffee. The mini-farm developed by Gorgora Port Authority is a living testimony to the potential of Gorgora in agriculture.

Fishing

Lake Tana is an important source of fish for Gorgora and its surroundings. The total area of Lake Tana basin is 16,500 km² and the lake itself covers about 3,150 km².  According to previous studies, Lake Tana has 28 species of fish out of which 21 are endemic to the country. Currently, there is some fishing activity around the lake but most of this is subsistence in nature, or relatively small-scale.  Most fishermen use a traditional boat named Tanqua.

Most of the fish is sold as fresh. However, some fishermen have recently started producing dried fish. The dried fish market is slowly increasing and is even being marketed to Sudan.  It appears because of this, Chuahit, which is located 15kms North of Gorgora has become a dried fish trading center. On the other hand, frozen fish market is almost non-existent since it needs resources such as freezers which couldn’t be afforded by local fishermen.

The fishing potential of Lake Tana is untouched, with only 8% of the potential being used at this time.

Agro-industry

Agro-industry is also another investment opportunity at Gorgora. Due to the existence of ample crop production around the area, the possibility of food processing industries is justified. The demands for fruits in Ethiopia is increasing mainly due to population growth and change in dietray habits. Even if there is a higher potential for fruit processing, currently it is under developed and located mainly around Addis. It is worth mentioning that there is none around Gorgora.

Tourism

As with other sectors, tourism has not been exploited at all. Private investors have many opportunities they can exploit and help grow the tourism industry.

Gorgora’s proximity to Ethiopia’s known natural, wildlife, and historical attractions together with Lake Tana would definitely make the city the best place for a typical tourist. Lake Tana has 37 islands, twenty of which have 16th and 17th century churches and monasteries. They are still in use and many of them can be viewed.

Fasiledes Castle

Some of the attractions that have national significance around Gorgora are:

Gondar:  a popular tourist attraction nicknamed “The Camelot of Africa” due to the presence of a group of royal castles, the most popular being,  Fasiledes castle.

Gelada Baboon

The simien Mountains National Park:  The Park is of global significance for biodiversity conservation because it is home to globally threatened species, including the iconic Walia ibex, a wild mountain goat found nowhere else in the world, the Gelada baboon and the Ethiopian wolf. It was one of the first sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Blue Nile Falls: It is considered as one of Ethiopia’s best known tourist attractions.

Local attractions include:

Debresina Maryam Church:  A church built in 1334 with many collections of manuscripts, paintings, etc. It is located five minutes from downtown Gorgora.

Ancient monasteries on islands: Three monasteries; namely, Mendaba Medhane Alem, Brigida Maryam, and Angara Tekle Haymanot. These churches have superb collection of old manuscripts, paintings, and other antiquated treasures.

Beautiful scenery: Gorgora is the most rewarding place especially for birdwatchers. Lake Tana is home to different species of birds, has beautiful scenery, with pleasant climate, and hospitable people.

Some of the birds seen at Gorgora: