Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), hosted a pivotal National Agri-Business Conference on April 24. Held at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW) conference hall, the event brought together senior government officials, UN representatives, and agriculture experts to discuss key commodities critical to the nation’s food security.
Driving Innovation for Sustainable Food Systems
Themed “Enhancing Agri-Business for Sustainable Food Systems,” the conference served as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration among a diverse range of stakeholders. Its goal was to foster innovation and coordinated action across the agri-business value chain, focusing on seven selected commodities that hold significant promise for national food systems.
A Milestone for National Agricultural Strategy
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Tekleab Mesghna, Director General of the Regulatory Services Department, emphasized the importance of the conference in Eritrea’s broader strategy to strengthen its agri-business sector. He highlighted that the gathering is part of the ongoing Hand-in-Hand Initiative, launched in mid-2022 with the support of the FAO.
Mr. Tekleab reiterated that agriculture is a cornerstone of Eritrean society but faces numerous challenges, such as climate change and poverty. He outlined three strategic pillars of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative: inclusive development, resilient and sustainable systems, and public-private partnerships, aiming for long-term positive impact.
Keynote Addresses Focus on Collaboration and Investment
Dr. Wolday Futur, representing the Investment Center, praised the Ministry of Agriculture and the FAO for organizing a high-impact event that supports both smallholders and large-scale agri-businesses. He stressed the need for reforms and strategic shifts to ensure continued sector growth.
The FAO’s Sub-Regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, Ms. Farayi Zimudzi, opened with remarks on the urgent need to address the region’s agricultural challenges while exploring opportunities for growth. She called for enhanced collaboration to empower smallholder farmers and advance agriculture in Eritrea.
In her keynote, Ms. Nahla Valji, the UN Resident Coordinator, underscored the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the critical need for greater investment in agri-business to overcome barriers faced by smallholders. She highlighted the essential role of both the government and the private sector in creating resilient, inclusive food systems.
Panel Discussion: Shaping the Future of Agriculture
The conference featured a panel discussion focused on inclusive economic growth in agriculture. Topics included investing in agriculture, improving food security, addressing poverty and climate-related challenges, forging partnerships with both international and domestic stakeholders, and developing effective policies to drive agricultural transformation.
Seven Commodities with Strong Growth Potential
Under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, seven key commodities were identified for their potential to drive growth and enhance food system resilience. The participants emphasized the need for continued research and targeted investment to unlock the full potential of these sectors.
Concluding Remarks: A Call for Collaboration
In his closing speech, Mr. Semere Amlesom, Director General of the Agricultural Extension Department, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the conference. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the FAO on the selected commodities and called on all relevant parties to collaborate for the initiative’s success.
