Significant Progress Made in connecting GLI with tangible public benefits: DPM Temesgen

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2025 (ENA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh announced that significant progress is being made in connecting the Green Legacy initiative (GLI) with tangible public benefits.

Speaking from Jigjiga, the capital of the Somali Region, where he took part this year’s national planting campaign; DPM Temesgen praised the nationwide efforts under the GLI.

The 7th round of the initiative, launched under the theme “Revival Through Planting,” aims to plant 7.5 billion seedlings across Ethiopia this year.

Temesgen noted that on the day of his address alone, Ethiopians were working toward planting 700 million seedlings, emphasizing that the government has set a target of planting a total of 50 billion seedlings by next year as part of the broader Green Legacy strategy.

He highlighted that the program is not only about environmental restoration but also about generating economic and social benefits.

 

For instance, the Deputy Prime Minister revealed that Ethiopia earned 2.6 billion USD in coffee exports during the recently concluded fiscal year, credited this achievement in part to coffee seedlings planted in the early years of the program, which have now begun to bear fruit.

In addition to coffee, he pointed to the cultivation of vegetables and fruits as another area where the program is delivering measurable outcomes, creating both food security and income generation opportunities.

Reflecting on the country’s economic performance, DPM Temesgen noted that Ethiopia registered strong growth during the past year and affirmed that this momentum would continue in the coming year.

He particularly underscored the strides being made in the agricultural sector, especially in the Somali Region, cited successful initiatives such as rice development and increased production of vegetables, fruits, wheat, and other staple crops.

Furthermore, he emphasized the region’s untapped potential in mining and noted ongoing work in the Corridor Development.