Ethiopia has officially declared itself Africa's leading wheat producer, a significant milestone announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) during a live address to the House of Peoples’ Representatives today.
This declaration underscores the government's broader economic strategy focused on significantly boosting agricultural output and ensuring national food security, the Prime Minister stated.
In his address, Prime Minister Abiy detailed a comprehensive 10-year development plan aimed at propelling Ethiopia's economy forward, with an ambitious growth target of 8.4 percent for the current fiscal year.
Highlighting recent remarkable advancements in the agricultural sector, PM Abiy noted that smallholder farmers have expanded their total crop coverage from 17.5 million hectares to an impressive 20.5 million hectares over the past eight months. Wheat cultivation alone has witnessed a substantial surge, now covering 7.7 million hectares and yielding an anticipated output of at least 300 million quintals.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this achievement decisively refutes previous doubts about Ethiopia's wheat production capabilities, firmly establishing the nation’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in this crucial staple.
Beyond wheat, PM Abiy pointed to significant growth in other key agricultural sectors, including coffee, vegetables, fruits, and oilseeds. The coffee sector, in particular, generated $1.4 billion in exports last year and has already brought in $1.2 billion in the first eight months of this year.
Concluding his remarks on agriculture with optimism, Prime Minister Abiy projected that if current positive trends persist, Ethiopia could generate an additional $2 billion from exports in the next four months, further solidifying its position as a powerhouse in African agriculture.
Turning to other sectors, Prime Minister Abiy also highlighted Ethiopia's considerable potential in the extraction and utilization of its diverse natural resources, specifically mentioning granite. Furthermore, he acknowledged the country's established capacity in cement production and articulated a forward-looking vision that includes venturing into the manufacturing of mirrors, indicating a strategic focus on diversifying the nation's industrial base.