Ethiopian National Quality Management Capacity Enhancement Project Launched to Boost Agro Competitiveness

Addis Ababa, June 29, 2026 (ENA)—The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean Technical Cooperation (KTC), inaugurated a five-year initiative today.

This initiative, named the “Ethiopian National Quality Management Capacity Enhancement Project,” aims to strengthen the competitiveness of agricultural and processed agricultural products.

Speaking on the occasion, Trade and Regional Integration State Minister Endalew Mekonnen said the project represents a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and South Korea, describing the relationship as grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a common aspiration for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

He emphasized that competitiveness in the global market increasingly depends on quality, safety, reliability, and compliance with international standards, not only on what countries produce.

He noted that the initiative goes beyond upgrading laboratories or equipment, saying it focuses on building stronger national quality infrastructure institutions to support industrialization, export performance, consumer protection, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.

According to him, the project will enhance Ethiopia’s capacity in areas such as standard development, testing, inspection, certification, accreditation, and quality regulatory systems, while also strengthening human resources, which is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability.

The state minister added that, as Ethiopia advances regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and expands participation in global value chains, strengthening national quality infrastructure has become a strategic priority.

Endalew revealed the project will run for five years, with official development assistance totaling 10 million USD provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea.

On his part, KOICA Ethiopia Office Deputy Country Director, Shin Seunghee said the organization is “thrilled to commence a full-scale implementation of this initiative,” emphasizing that the milestone reflects the enduring friendship and long-standing development cooperation between South Korea and Ethiopia.

He said that the project will help enhance testing, inspection, and quality control regulations over the coming five years, helping Ethiopian products meet technical requirements for trade, reduce barriers to market access, and ultimately support food exports and export-related revenue.

The initiative also intends to create sustainable livelihoods for farmers and processors by promoting higher standards of production and execution, he added.

The project is another important step in Ethiopia’s progress toward sustainable economic growth and social development, he emphasized, reaffirming KOICA’s commitment to ensure it delivers results that benefit the Ethiopian people for generations to come.

Accordingly, the project intends to deliver measurable results and leave a lasting legacy by improving Ethiopia’s national quality systems and boosting the competitiveness of its agro-processing sector.