The vibrant lakeside city of Hawassa recently served as the epicenter for agricultural policy and partnership discussions as it hosted the Sidama Region Agricultural Investment Forum 2026 from November 7 to 8.
Jointly convened by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the high-profile gathering brought together government officials, international development partners, private investors, and industry stakeholders to chart a course for sustainable agrarian growth and enhanced food systems transformation.
Opening the two-day summit, Dr. Sofia Kassa, State Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the critical importance of drawing private sector engagement to unlock the nation’s vast agricultural potential and boost overall productivity. She highlighted that the Ethiopian government is actively cultivating a favorable investment climate complemented by targeted support mechanisms and policy incentives designed to guarantee the long-term success and sustainability of agricultural ventures. Building on this perspective, Sidama Regional State Vice President Dr. Dawit Hayeso emphasized agriculture’s foundational role in driving regional economic expansion, generating employment, and expanding local market opportunities. Urging both domestic and international investors to explore the region’s untapped resources, he reaffirmed the regional government’s dedication to maintaining an enabling business environment.
Echoing these sentiments, FAO Representative to Ethiopia Dr. Workicho Jateno praised the country’s recent agricultural milestones and reiterated the organization’s steadfast support for Ethiopia’s ongoing development agenda. Alongside the main plenary sessions, the forum featured a comprehensive exhibition showcasing regional agricultural goods, alongside dynamic panel sessions and targeted Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) networking meetings. Organizers anticipate that the landmark forum will successfully catalyze new investment pledges and foster deeper collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing Ethiopia’s agricultural future.
ABJ/APA