KIGALI, Rwanda: September 04, 2026 (Ministry of Agriculture): Ethiopia is positioning sorghum as a strategic investment and food-systems opportunity, as policymakers, investors, development partners and private-sector leaders gather at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2026 to explore how the crop can strengthen resilience, improve livelihoods, enhance nutrition and create jobs. Opening the session, Dr Yihenew Zewdie, AGRA Ethiopia Country Director, welcomed participants and outlined the objective of connecting Ethiopiaโs agricultural potential with capital, enterprise, technology and markets through the National Sorghum Flagship Programme.
H.E. Dr Getachew Diriba, Senior Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture, outlined Ethiopiaโs investment proposition, highlighting favourable seed laws, the contract farming proclamation, tax incentives, agro-industrial parks, expanded electricity infrastructure and access to COMESA and AfCFTA markets. Dr Maru Shete, Technical Lead of the National Sorghum Flagship Programme Development Task Force, presented the investment case for sorghum, highlighting opportunities across production, aggregation, storage, processing, livestock feed, food products and market development. In closing, H.E. Ambassador Mesfin Gebremariam called for stronger private-sector partnerships to turn sorghumโs potential into investment, value addition, trade, jobs and shared prosperity, reaffirming Ethiopiaโs commitment to a predictable and conducive investment environment. As preparations advance towards the Pan Africa Sorghum Alliance, the Kigali dialogue is positioning sorghum not simply as a crop, but as a strategic platform for agricultural transformation, nutrition, rural livelihoods, regional trade and inclusive economic growth. โThe opportunity is before us. Ambition is clear. The partnership is possible.โ
