Ethiopia Unveils INVEST Platform at AFSF 2025 to Drive Agricultural Transformation

Addis Ababa, September 4, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia stepped onto the global stage at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 with the unveiling of its INVEST platform—an ambitious initiative designed to attract capital and partnerships into agriculture and food systems, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) announced.

The event, held in Dakar, unfolded as a warm, action-driven dialogue where leaders and partners shared a vision for transforming one of Africa’s most promising agri-food frontiers.

The session was formally opened by Yihenew Zewdie, Country Director of AGRA Ethiopia, who underscored the urgency of food systems reform and the central role of investment.

Evidence-based presentations followed from Maru S. Bekele, Advisor to the State Minister of Agriculture on Sorghum Flagship Development, and Prof. Ali M. Ibrahim, Senior Advisor to the State Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture.

Their research highlighted Ethiopia’s investment readiness and the vast potential in oilseed and sorghum, setting the stage for an engaged dialogue with global partners.

The Ethiopian investment pitch for the oilseed and sorghum flagship programs was successfully organized and facilitated through a collaborative effort led by the Government of Ethiopia, AGRA other partners.   

This joint initiative underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to unlocking the potential of its agricultural value chains and to attracting strategic investments for inclusive and sustainable growth.

At the heart of the discussion was the 1 billion USD Oilseed Investment Case for 2025–2028. Ethiopia’s edible oil market, currently valued at 7.8 billion USD with more than 90 percent imported, is projected to triple to 25 billion USD by 2030, according to AGRA.  

With strategic investments in seed production, smallholder financing, and nucleus farms, the country aims to unlock 4.2 billion USD in value by 2028, create 174,000 new jobs, and provide healthier, more affordable cooking oil to over 100 million consumers. The case also promises nearly 4 billion USD in foreign exchange savings and significant environmental gains, including the annual capture of more than 686,000 tons of CO₂ equivalents.

A central role in this transformation is being played by IDH, which is implementing a market-led strategy spanning the entire oilseed value chain.

By forging long-term partnerships with leading market actors such as PHIBELLA, SAMANU, and other major cooking oil producers, food processors, and FMCG companies, IDH is enabling inclusive and sustainable local sourcing.

This approach strengthens the supply chain while uplifting SMEs and smallholder farmers, empowering them to grow, professionalize, and become integral contributors to Ethiopia’s food system.

Delegates in Dakar commended Ethiopia for aligning research, policy reform, and private sector engagement to create one of Africa’s most dynamic agricultural investment frontiers. The exchanges were marked by both warmth and urgency, reflecting a shared determination to turn ambition into measurable impact.

As Ethiopia advances it’s INVEST platform, the outlook is full of hope. Together with its partners, the country is building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready oilseed industry—one that reduces dependency on imports while redefining Africa’s role in global food systems.

For investors, it is more than a business opportunity: it is an invitation to join a transformation that promises prosperity, sustainability, and food security for generations to come.