Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to Refocus Efforts and Expand Engagement in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is set to realign its strategic priorities and deepen its involvement in Ethiopia, announced Senior Program Officer Tess Russo. In an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Russo described this period as an “exciting moment” for the foundation, as it reassesses its objectives and the delivery of innovations within Ethiopia.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the foundation is in the process of redefining its specific goals for Ethiopia, with plans to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Agricultural Transformation Agency, and various other partners. These adjustments are being made in alignment with the Ethiopian government’s priorities, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing the country’s needs.

Russo highlighted that the foundation’s budget for the upcoming year would be determined based on these newly set priorities, underscoring the adaptive nature of their funding to meet Ethiopia’s evolving challenges. The reassessment process involves engaging in discussions and stakeholder conversations with the Ethiopian government, aiming to ensure that the foundation’s efforts are both relevant and impactful.

The foundation’s agricultural team is currently engaged in a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from upstream research and development for crops and livestock to extending digital services and advisories to farmers and pastoralists. Russo pointed out the diverse effects of climate change across different regions of Ethiopia, with some areas facing decreased productivity due to slight temperature increases, while other regions grapple with significant challenges.

Russo explained that the foundation sees potential opportunities to support Ethiopia in adapting to climate change over the next decade, focusing on climate management and exploring weather risks and opportunities. This approach reflects the foundation’s commitment to helping Ethiopia navigate the complexities of climate change while striving to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.