Ethiopia Steps Up Food Systems Transformation Amid Global Distributions, Says PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2025 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, speaking at UNFSS+4, highlighted global food systems are under mounting strain from climate change, supply shocks, conflicts, widening inequalities, and economic disruptions.

Whereas, the Prime Prime Minister mentioned his country’s deliberate choice in food systems transformations through investing in local production, reducing dependency on imports, and building resilient systems that serve our people and our future.

2nd United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), kicked off this morning in the presence of head of states of several countries and delegations of international organizations in Addis Ababa.

In his keynote address to the summit, Prime Minister said four years ago, we came together to pursue a vision for systems that are sustainable, equitable and resilient.

Noting that food is not agriculture, Abiy revealed that it shifts our health, our economies, our environment and our future.

“Today, we reflect on the progress made and recommit to urgent and coordinated action. Globally, food systems are facing immense pressure from climate shocks, conflicts, inequalities and economic disruptions.”

At the same time, development assistance is declining and multilateral cooperation is under strain, he added.

These challenges threaten production, supply and the dignity and the stability of nation Abiy said, adding “yet in this context, the human spirit and our shared resolve to act remains strong.

Speaking on the commitment in Ethiopia, he said we have made a deliberate choice to act boldly, to think holistically and to place human dignity at the center of our food systems.

”Transformation central to this vision is our commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency. We are investing in local production, reducing dependency on imports, and building resilient systems that serve our people and our future.”

​​​​​​Moreover he added that Ethiopia has launched a comprehensive roadmap for food system transformation.

This roadmap is closely aligned with our macroeconomic reforms, particularly the homegrown economic reform agenda, as well as our broader efforts to improve the overall business conditions.

Moreover he added that Ethiopia has launched a comprehensive roadmap for food system transformation.

This roadmap is closely aligned with our macroeconomic reforms, particularly the homegrown economic reform agenda, as well as our broader efforts to improve the overall business conditions.

It drives key policy reforms in land use, agricultural development and Rural Finance laying the foundation for an inclusive, productive and sustainable food system.

“Our goal is clear, to ensure that every Ethiopian in the countryside or the city, young or old, has the level of access to safe, diverse and nutrient rich food. To achieve this, we are implementing over 700 actionable interventions.”

These are locally grounded, and structured into seven strategic cluster covering everything from production to markets, innovation, risk management, energy and skills development.

“Our transformation is a whole of nation approach, engaging federal and regional governments, development partners, civil society, the private sector and research institutions. We are already seeing results.”

Through irrigation wheat production, we have ended imports and taken steps towards food self-sufficiency.

Our  'Bounty of the Basket Initiative,' is promoting diversified, high value livestock production, including poultry, expanded dairy, enhanced agriculture and sustainable aquaculture to ensure nutritious and accessible food for all.

On other hand, the Prime Minister added that through the Seqota  declaration, Ethiopia is implementing a multi sector commitment to end child undernutrition by 2030 integrating health, agriculture, water and social protection efforts in food systems transformation.

Through the Green legacy initiative, Ethiopia has planted over 40 billion trees, restoring ecosystems, building climate resilience, boosting coffee productivity and creating green jobs.