For the purpose of contributing to the promotion of historical research activities in Ethiopia, the Government of Japan granted 40.1 million Japanese Yen (approximately 5.9 million birr) to the National Museum of Ethiopia. The equipment includes, Iron Safe Cabinets for Hominid Fossils, Microscopes, and Projectors etc. It is believed that the equipment will enable the museum to keep valuable fossils safely and improve the quality of display and research environment as well.

This project aimed to manage the “world treasure” class human fossils of Ethiopia within a modern museum environment, to promote international scientific research that would lead to further discoveries of such human fossils and also to promote public interest and education concerning these fossils.

The ceremony was held in the presence of esteemed guests including H.E. Mr. Mohammed Drir, Minister of Culture and Tourism. The Minister expressed his highest appreciation to the Government of Japan for its kind cooperation. The Ambassador of Japan also remarked that the Hominid Fossils found in Ethiopia were not only a treasure of Ethiopia but also of the world. Therefore, it was Japan’s pleasure to implement this kind of project.