Israeli Diplomat Praises Ethiopia’s Rise as African Leading Wheat Producer

Addis Ababa, December 18, 2025 (ENA) —Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Ethiopia and the African Union, Tomer Bar-Lavi expressed his profound admiration for Ethiopia's remarkable advancements in wheat production.

According to the diplomat, Ethiopia is emerging as a leading wheat producer in Africa.

Launched officially in 2019 at the initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s drive toward self-sufficiency in wheat production has reached notable success.

Through the efforts, the East African nation has made a historic shift by producing wheat domestically using irrigation, replacing imports that previously cost up to one billion dollars annually, it was learned.

Ethiopia is leading by example, leveraging agricultural technology to enhance food security and reduce poverty across the continent, Bar-Lavi told Pulse of Africa media.

The diplomat, attending a film screening on Ethiopia’s wheat advancements in Addis Ababa, emphasized the transformative potential of modern agricultural technology for smallholder farmers.

"We've been following this journey for the last few years, how Ethiopia has turned into the leading wheat producer in Africa and really is completely transforming its production of this crop," he stated.

He commended the Ethiopian government's significant investments in the sector, which have been pivotal to this success.

Bar-Lavi noted that minor technological improvements from seed quality to irrigation and farming methods could exponentially boost agricultural productivity and yields.

Bar-Lavi emphasized that the combination of Ethiopia's vast natural resources including productive land and a large workforce with Israeli technological innovation can unlock unprecedented growth.

 "Ethiopia is blessed with huge amounts of natural resources," he noted, adding that the strategic implementation of technology is the key to maximizing this potential.

The deputy ambassador positioned Ethiopia’s achievements as a blueprint for the African continent in its efforts to combat hunger and promote economic growth.

He asserted that the current moment represents a critical opportunity for Africa to leverage its resources and manpower.

Bar-Lavi emphasized that leveraging existing resources, human capital, and skills, while integrating modern technologies into traditional agricultural practices could significantly reduce poverty across the continent said to the Pulse of Africa,

He stressed that even "slight modifications can have a big impact," empowering communities and fostering sustainable development.