Ethiopia and Japan Commit to Expanded Agricultural Collaboration

ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente and Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia Hiro Shibata recently affirmed their countries’ commitment to enhance cooperation in the agriculture sector, focusing on rice, horticulture, and coffee cultivation.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the discussions highlighted ongoing successes in irrigated wheat cultivation and plans to replicate these achievements with rice cultivation. He outlined an initiative to develop irrigated rice on 3,000 hectares in the Somali region, marking a significant expansion in the area’s agricultural development. Minister Amente also expressed gratitude for Japan’s past support and requested further assistance to advance Ethiopia’s irrigated rice cultivation efforts.

Ambassador Shibata reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Ethiopian smallholder farmers in developing their capacities in rice, horticulture, and coffee sectors. He confirmed that Japanese support would continue, benefiting regions such as Oromia, Amhara, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, and Central Ethiopia. The Ministry of Agriculture emphasized the critical role of international partnerships in achieving food security for Ethiopia’s population.