Ethiopia Takes the Lead in Regional Agricultural Transformation
Addis Ababa, November 10, 2025 — Ethiopia has emerged as a key player in advancing agricultural transformation in East Africa, paving the way for food security and climate resilience across the region. This initiative is particularly prominent at the ongoing 19th Multidisciplinary Team Meeting, being held from November 10 to 13, 2025, themed “Strengthening Partnership and Investment for Accelerated Agrifood System Transformation and Climate Resilience in the Eastern Africa Sub-region.”
Regional Focus on Agrifood Systems
Organized by the FAO’s Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa, the meeting highlights critical issues regarding agrifood systems in the East African landscape. It gathers leaders from various nations, as well as representatives from the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Together, the attendees reaffirm their commitment to transforming innovative concepts into substantive outcomes that will benefit millions throughout the region.
Ethiopia’s Agricultural Achievements
During the opening session, Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of Agriculture, highlighted Ethiopia’s substantial agricultural achievements. He pointed out these developments as benchmarks for regional cooperation and growth. “This meeting is especially important as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),” Mekonnen noted, applauding the organization’s long-standing contributions to agricultural advancement.
Aligning National and Regional Goals
Mekonnen underscored the significance of synchronizing national priorities with broader regional goals. Ethiopia is focusing on scaling up irrigation systems, enhancing soil health, and promoting market-oriented commercial agriculture. According to Mekonnen, “Our advancements in wheat production and landscape restoration demonstrate what’s possible when we align policy, research, capacity development, partnerships, and farmer engagement toward a shared goal.”
Urgency for Collective Action
Echoing the need for collaborative efforts, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, commended the leadership emerging from the region and its growing international presence. He remarked on several significant global conferences recently hosted in East Africa, emphasizing that “Innovation without support remains limited. However, when combined with partnerships and resources, innovation can yield extensive impacts.” Haile-Gabriel urged member countries to incorporate essential initiatives into their national budgets and to seek new financial avenues for sustainable transformation.
Addressing Urgent Food Insecurity
FAO Ethiopia’s representative, Farayi Zimudzi, emphasized the alarming situation regarding food security in the region. He highlighted that nearly three-quarters of individuals in Eastern Africa struggle to afford nutritious meals, with approximately one in three children under five experiencing stunted growth. The urgency for reinvigorating food systems to prevent these issues cannot be overstated.
Embracing Digital Agriculture and Innovation
To bring about meaningful improvements in food systems, Zimudzi advocated for embracing digital agriculture and innovation. “We need to build partnerships and attract investments to create real change,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of collective action.
Key Priorities for Agricultural Transformation
Discussions during the meeting also focused on key priorities like accelerating investments using the Hand-in-Hand framework, promoting land restoration and climate-smart agriculture, and enhancing regional supply chains. Additionally, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to standardize sanitary and phytosanitary measures while improving market connectivity.
By taking a unified approach to these challenges and opportunities, East African nations are poised to lead the way in agricultural transformation. The ongoing discussions and collaborative efforts will serve as a catalyst for realizing a more stable and resilient agrifood system in the region.
