06/02/2026
In Loving Memory of Zerihun Girma :
Ethiopian Hospitality & Tourism Journalist, INDUSTRY GURU, Strategist, Master Planner, NATIONWIDE EXPLORER, and National Visionary >>>>>>>>>>
Ethiopia mourns the passing of Zerihun Girma, one of the nation’s most dedicated and influential voices in HOSPITALITY, TOURISM, and MEDIA—a distinguished journalist, INDUSTRY GURU, Strategist, Master Planner, and NATIONWIDE EXPLORER whose life was defined by SERVICE, INTEGRITY, HUMILITY, and LOVE FOR COUNTRY.
Born on August 18, 1983 (Nehasse 12, 1975 E.C.) in Gumayde, to Ato Girma Sahlu and Woizero Adunya Alemu, Zerihun’s journey reflected DISCIPLINE, CURIOSITY, and PURPOSE. He completed his primary education in Gumayde and secondary education in Konso and Arba Minch. A graduate of Hawassa Teachers’ Training College (Chemistry), he began his career as a CHEMISTRY TEACHER in the Gurage Zone, earning deep respect from students and colleagues.
In 2009 (2001 E.C.), driven by a passion for national storytelling, he joined the field of JOURNALISM in Addis Ababa. Over more than 17 YEARS, he became one of Ethiopia’s LEADING Hospitality and Tourism Journalists, working with major radio stations including Zami 90.7 FM, Debub FM 100.9, and Ethio FM 107.8. As a true NATIONWIDE EXPLORER, he traveled extensively across ETHIOPIA, documenting destinations, cultures, and communities, and bringing the nation’s rich heritage closer to the public through RADIO, TELEVISION, and SOCIAL MEDIA.
Widely respected as an INDUSTRY GURU, Zerihun was an expert in TOURISM POLICY, HOSPITALITY INVESTMENT, PUBLIC RELATIONS, and MEDIA CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. He held TWO Bachelor’s Degrees and was actively pursuing an MBA PROGRAM, reflecting a lifelong commitment to LEARNING and LEADERSHIP.
He was a KEY PLANNER and STRATEGIC ADVISOR for major national and regional platforms, including the MICE East Africa Forum, the Hotel Show Africa International Hospitality and Tourism Investment Tradeshow, and other MAJOR NATIONAL EVENTS, contributing significantly to Ethiopia’s MICE, INVESTMENT, and DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT AGENDA.
His landmark media works include “Wub Hager” (Ethio Tourism & Hospitality TV and ESAT TV), which played a vital role in TOURISM AWARENESS and DESTINATION PROMOTION. He was also developing “Guzoye / My Travel” and “MICE Addis”, programs dedicated to TRAVEL STORYTELLING and MICE DEVELOPMENT. As a respected TRAINER, he was especially known for URBAN TOURISM JOURNALISM capacity-building.
Zerihun received OVER A DOZEN SECTOR-BASED AWARDS for STRATEGIC PLANNING, INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, and INDUSTRY IMPACT, establishing him as one of the MOST INFLUENTIAL and TRUSTED VOICES in Ethiopia’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem.
Beyond professional achievements, Zerihun Girma was admired for his HUMILITY, KINDNESS, and RESPECT FOR PEOPLE. A devoted HUSBAND and FATHER of TWO (SON and DAUGHTER), he loved traveling across ETHIOPIA with his family and instilling PATRIOTISM and CULTURAL PRIDE in his children. He is survived by his wife, THREE BROTHERS, and THREE SISTERS.
Zerihun Girma passed away at the age of 42. His funeral service was held on February 6, 2026 (Tir 29, 2018 E.C.) at Arba Minch Medhane Alem Church.
Though his voice is now silent, his LEGACY LIVES ON—in the PLATFORMS he BUILT, the PROFESSIONALS he MENTORED, and the NATIONAL VISION he CHAMPIONED.
May his soul rest in ETERNAL PEACE.
May his family find STRENGTH and COMFORT.
Zerihun Girma will FOREVER remain in our HEARTS and HISTORY.
We Love and Respect You Forever
By :
Kumneger Teketel WG
OZZIE Business & Hospitality Group
