Addis Ababa, June 15, 2026 (Ministry of Agriculture): Ethiopia has taken a major step toward modernizing its poultry sector with the signing of a USD 10.15 million contract between the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrifam Co., Ltd for the establishment of a fully automated hatchery system.
The agreement, signed under the Ethiopia Poultry Value Chain Development Program (E-PVDP), aims to strengthen the country’s poultry production capacity and enhance access to quality inputs for farmers across the value chain.
The contract was signed by Fikru Regassa (PhD), State Minister for Livestock and Fishery Resources Development Sector at the Ministry of Agriculture Ethiopia, and Mr. Jari Zhao, President for Sub-Saharan Africa at Agrifam Co., Ltd, representing the supplier company.
Agrifam Co., Ltd, working through its local partner Quarit Agro Industry PLC, will deliver a fully integrated and automated hatchery system, including the supply of advanced equipment, installation, testing, and commissioning, as well as construction of associated facilities.
The project also includes the provision of spare parts for a period of five years, ensuring long-term operational sustainability and reliability of the facility.
According to the agreement, the contractor is expected to commence work within one week after the contract becomes effective, with full completion scheduled for 12 months.
Following completion, the facility will undergo commissioning and testing to confirm operational readiness before being fully handed over.
Officials indicated that the project will significantly boost hatchery capacity, improve the supply of high-quality day-old chicks, and enhance productivity across Ethiopia’s poultry value chain.
The initiative is also expected to promote technology transfer, strengthen local technical capacity, and support smallholder farmers through improved access to modern poultry production systems.
The agreement forms part of Ethiopia’s broader efforts to modernize its agricultural sector and improve food and nutrition security, in line with national priorities to develop efficient, market-oriented livestock systems.
With the signing of the contract, both parties will move forward with implementation activities, including mobilization, financial arrangements, and preparatory work.
Once operational, the fully automated hatchery is expected to play a key role in transforming Ethiopia’s poultry industry and supporting sustainable economic growth.
