Addis Ababa, September 29, 2025 (FMC) — The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to elevate the country’s coffee sector, targeting major gains in both quality and volume to secure a stronger foothold in the international market.

As part of this effort, ECTA inaugurated the Dilla Coffee Quality Inspection and Certification Center today, the first facility of its kind in the region. The center is designed to streamline the coffee trade by shortening supply chains, lowering costs, and enhancing efficiency.

Speaking at the ceremony, ECTA Director General Adugna Debela reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to delivering top-quality coffee to global buyers. He said that expanding inspection and certification facilities is critical to that ambition, particularly for Yirgachefe coffee, prized worldwide for its unique flavor. Adugna stressed that . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s fertilizer factory construction project is a practical step taken to ensure food security and sovereignty, according to Ministry of Agriculture.

Recall that the Ethiopian Investment Holding and the Dangote Group signed a 2.5 billion USD agreement for the establishment of a fertilizer factory in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

In a message he shared on his social media page, Prime Minister Abiy congratulated Ethiopians for reaching another milestone in the country’s journey towards food security and agricultural transformation.

Speaking to local news agency ENA, Agriculture Minister Addisu Arega described the agreement as great news for Ethiopian farmers.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2028 (FMC) – Africa’s leading industrialist Aliko Dangote has hailed Ethiopia as a premier destination for fertilizer investment, following the signing of a landmark $2.5 billion agreement with the government to establish one of the world’s largest fertilizer complexes.

In the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopian Investment Holdings and Dangote Industries Limited concluded a Fertilizer Complex Shareholder Investment Agreement, marking what Dangote described as a transformative step for Ethiopia’s agriculture-driven economy.

“The nature of the investment here is to produce about 3 million metric tons of urea annually. Moving from zero to 3 million tons is a major milestone—well beyond Ethiopia’s current consumption. It is a huge, gigantic project,” Dangote said.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia has signed a $2.5 billion investment agreement with Africa’s Dangote Group to build a fertilizer complex in Gode, a project hailed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as a turning point in the country’s agricultural transformation and drive for food sovereignty.

Images shared on the Prime Minister’s social media show Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed alongside Aliko Mohammad Dangote, founder and President & CEO of the Dangote Group, witnessing the signing ceremony in Addis Ababa.

The Fertilizer Complex Shareholder Investment Agreement, signed between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group, will pave the way for a plant capable of producing up to three million metric tons of fertilizer annually, the Prime Minister said in a social media post.

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is advancing sweeping reforms to harness its vast irrigation potential and secure food self-sufficiency, Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands Abraham Belay (PhD) said today.

The remarks came during a high-level workshop convened in Addis Ababa to finalize the National Irrigation Standards and Regulations, a landmark framework developed by Addis Ababa University in collaboration with the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The finalized document was officially handed over to the Ministry and the Ethiopian Standards Institute during the event.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) has announced plans to add 50,000 metric tons of agricultural produce to the country’s national emergency reserve during the current Meher (main rainy season) of the 2017 Ethiopian Year, Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam said.

Commissioner Shiferaw emphasized that strengthening the national reserve is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to ensure food sovereignty. He highlighted that the country’s robust agricultural productivity across all sectors is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of the emergency reserve.

A system has been established to enable regional governments to build their own reserves, allowing for rapid, localized responses to citizens in need. To support this initiative, a 3-billion-Birr fund has been allocated to improve crop productivity specifically for 

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) — The Director of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) Environment and Agriculture Division, Daher Elmi, has urged member states to adopt a coordinated regional approach to fisheries governance, warning that weak regulation and illegal fishing are undermining the sector’s growth.

Speaking at the opening of the IGAD Regional Fisheries and Blue Economy Consultation Workshop in Addis Ababa, Elmi said the region has an annual fish production potential of more than 3.5 million tonnes but produces only about one million tonnes, with over 85 percent coming from inland waters.

He noted that marine resources in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Western Indian Ocean remain largely untapped.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) Blue Economy Agenda, pledging to work with regional partners to strengthen fisheries governance, expand aquaculture, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Opening a three-day IGAD Regional Fisheries and Blue Economy Consultation Workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Fikru Regassa, said the country is fully aligned with IGAD’s Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (2021–2025) and will continue to support joint initiatives aimed at protecting and developing aquatic resources

Addis Ababa, August 4, 2025 (FMC) — Approximately 225,000 fish fry were released into Lake Tana today, the Bahir Dar Fish and Other Aquatic Life Research Center announced.

Mr. Erkyihun Asmare, Director of the center, told Fana Digital that the initiative aims to introduce improved fish species to Lake Tana as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the lake’s fishery resources.

He emphasized that the program seeks to address the current decline in fish populations and better meet the nutritional and economic needs of the surrounding communities.

“The process of breeding and releasing fish fry, using scientifically improved species, will continue in Lake Tana and other regional water bodies,” Mr. Erkyihun confirmed.

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2025 (FMC) — Africa is home to a rising private sector that is driving transformation across key industries including energy, agriculture, digital technology, and job creation, according to Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact.

Ojiambo noted that Africa holds vast untapped potential in food production, land use, and capital investment, buoyed by a youthful population and accelerating innovation. She emphasized the need to shift rapidly from commitments to real investments—particularly in food systems, infrastructure, and skills development.

During her recent visit to Mojo, Ethiopia, Ojiambo observed the benefits of cluster farming, a model that brings together smallholder farmers to enhance access to quality seeds, market data, and agricultural support. She noted that the approach has  . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 2, 2025 (FMC) — Zambia and Mozambique have expressed keen interest in replicating Ethiopia’s agricultural successes, particularly its landmark achievement in wheat production, which has positioned the country as Africa’s leading producer.

The announcement came during the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment held in Addis Ababa, where Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Mtolo Phiri, and Mozambique’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries, Roberto Mito Albino, held discussions with Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente.

The visiting ministers praised Ethiopia’s rapid strides toward food self-sufficiency and inclusive agribusiness development. Minister Mtolo Phiri commended Ethiopia’s transformation from wheat importer to exporter, highlighting its innovative mobilization of smallholder farmers and successful adaptation of wheat cultivation to arid regions.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Agriculture Minister Girma Amente confirmed that a record-breaking 714.7 million tree seedlings were planted in a single day across Ethiopia.

This success has propelled Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative to new heights, reinforcing the country’s leadership in climate action and sustainable development.

The nationwide tree planting campaign, which is being held under the theme: “Renewal through Planting,” is part of Ethiopia’s annual plan of planting a staggering number of 7.5 billion trees during the ongoing rainy season.

With sustained national commitment and public participation, the country aims to reach an impressive 54 billion seedlings by next year.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Italy have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation and supporting the transformation of food systems in both countries.

The agreement was signed today in Addis Ababa by Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Girma Amente, and Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida.

The MoU marks a significant step in Italy’s broader engagement with Africa, particularly in promoting sustainable agricultural development and enhancing food security across the continent.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Girma stated that the agreement is expected to boost Ethiopia’s agricultural productivity, with a strong focus on improving the coffee value chain. He noted that the partnership will empower Ethiopian farmers through . . . . .

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient and sustainable food system, emphasizing that transformation is not just necessary but achievable. He delivered the remarks during a high-level press conference held on the sidelines of the Second United Nations Food Systems Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4), currently underway in Addis Ababa.

Minister Girma was joined by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry Francesco Lollobrigida in addressing global and regional media following a pivotal high-level plenary session earlier in the day.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is strengthening its global agricultural partnerships through a series of high-level bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture Girma Amante held discussions with Amna Aldahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Mtolo Phiri, Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture; and Greg Hallen, Team Lead for Climate-Resilient Food Systems at Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), focusing on advancing food systems transformation, investment, and value addition.

In his meeting with the UAE Minister, Girma underscored Ethiopia’s agricultural priorities, including enhancing food security, expanding agricultural exports—particularly coffee and meat—and building on the country’s flagship Green Legacy initiative. He also noted . . . .

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2025 (FMC) — As global leaders gather in Addis Ababa for the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has issued a call for urgent action to prioritize rural communities and small-scale farmers in efforts to reshape global food systems.

Alvaro Lario, IFAD President, emphasized the critical role of small-scale food producers, especially women and youth, in ensuring food security worldwide.

“If we want to transform global food systems, we must start with the rural people who feed one-third of the world from small plots,” Lario said.
 

Addis Ababa, July 27, 2025 (FMC) — Participants of the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4), taking place in Addis Ababa, have lauded Ethiopia’s efforts in agricultural research and innovation after visiting the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center and the Dina Food Processing Plant.

The delegates, who came from various regions of the world, witnessed firsthand the country’s initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security through science-based, climate-resilient solutions.

At the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center — one of 22 centers under the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) — researchers are developing technologies suited for tropical and sub-tropical fruit crops like mango, banana, and citrus, as well as warm-season vegetables and lowland pulse crops.

Addis Ababa, July 26, 2025 (FMC) — As Ethiopia prepares to co-convene the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) from July 27–29 in Addis Ababa, the country’s remarkable agricultural expansion is drawing renewed global attention to Africa’s role in ensuring food security.

With cultivated land in Ethiopia now reaching 31.8 million hectares — up from 23 million just a year ago, as announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his address to Parliament on July 3, 2025 — the nation now accounts for roughly 9% of Africa’s total cropland, according to the latest land use data from the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI).

This advancement not only highlights Ethiopia’s rapid transformation under the current administration but also mirrors a broader continental opportunity.

Addis Ababa, July 21, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has launched two major agricultural initiatives—the National Horticulture Strategy and the Enset Development Flagship Program—aimed at transforming the country’s food system, boosting exports, and enhancing climate resilience.

The launch ceremony, held in Addis Ababa under the theme “The Future is Horticulture,” brought together government leaders, agricultural experts, development partners, and private sector actors to align efforts toward modernizing Ethiopia’s horticulture sector.

Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente described the initiatives as “transformative forces” capable of accelerating food self-sufficiency, improving nutrition, creating jobs, and enhancing foreign exchange earnings.

Addis Ababa, July 20, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia produced 326,000 tons of honey during the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year (2024/25), under the national Bounty of the Basket (YeLemat Trufat) initiative, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Fikru Regasa, State Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development, told Fana Digital that the program has played a pivotal role in enhancing honey production nationwide by prioritizing productivity and modernizing apiculture practices.

The initiative exceeded its original target, distributing 2.6 million modern beehives—well above the planned 2.135 million—to transition producers from traditional to modern methods, he asserted.

The State Minister emphasized that Bounty of the Basket has catalyzed not just increased output but a change in mindset among honey producers, yielding improved quality and sustainability in the sector.

Addis Ababa, July 13, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has so far covered seven million hectares of land with seeds during the current rainy season, as part of a broader effort to achieve food sovereignty, Agriculture Minister Girma Amente announced.

Speaking on the progress of this year’s cultivation season, Minister Girma told ENA that the agricultural sector has shown impressive performance in recent years across the main (meher), spring, and irrigation harvest cycles.

He revealed that the government plans to sow crops on a total of 21 million hectares nationwide during this season. Of this, significant areas have already been planted with cereal crops such as maize, while the remaining land is being seeded with teff, wheat, barley, and other crops in accordance with regional agroecological conditions.

Addis Ababa, July 10, 2025 (FMC) — Ahead of the upcoming Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4), a high-level panel discussion highlighted Ethiopia’s agricultural revolution as a driving force behind significant advances in food security and nutrition.

Jointly organized by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) and the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), the event provided a strategic platform to review Ethiopia’s national food and nutrition strategy and its role in the global effort to transform food systems.

Over the past six years, under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, Ethiopia has pursued a multidimensional development agenda, emphasizing nutrition system transformation through diversified food production, enhanced food security, and strengthened multi-sectoral coordination.

Addis Ababa, July 5, 2025 (FMC) — A dynamic agricultural partnership between Ethiopia and China is rapidly advancing the modernization of Ethiopia’s farming sector and contributing to shared prosperity, according to Chinese agricultural specialist Wen Liming.

Wen, an expert in veterinary science and dairy production, underscored that the partnership is already yielding transformative results on the ground, aligning closely with the core principles of the 2024 Beijing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation—shared growth and sustainable development.

“We initiated the China-Ethiopia Agricultural Cooperation Poverty Reduction Demonstration Village in Godino, Adea District,” Wen said, noting that the initiative goes beyond technical input and reflects a commitment to working closely with local communities.