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Addisu Arega Kitessa

Minister of Agriculture, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Addisu Arega Kitessa was born in 1982 in Dorani, Ilubabor, Ethiopia. He serves as the Minister of Agriculture of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, a position he has held since August 2025.

He brings extensive experience in public service, with a strong background in governance, rural development, and strategic leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from Addis Ababa University and a Master of Science degree in Transformational Leadership and Change from the University of Greenwich.

Prior to his ministerial appointment, he served as Vice President of the Oromia Regional State, where he coordinated key development portfolios including rural development, social development, and urban development. He has also held senior leadership roles in party and government institutions, including Head of the Oromo People’s Democratic Party, and played a significant role in the transition of the EPRDF coalition into the Prosperity Party. His experience further spans communication, public relations, and international engagement.

As Minister of Agriculture, Addisu Arega Kitessa is leading Ethiopia’s efforts to advance agricultural transformation, with priorities focused on mechanization, irrigation development, and market oriented agriculture. His work is directed toward enhancing productivity, strengthening food and nutrition security, building climate resilience, and improving the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists.

He promotes a results driven and partnership based approach to development, positioning agriculture as a central pillar of Ethiopia’s economic growth and long term prosperity.