Israeli Water Expert Sees Ethiopia’s Water Potential as Catalyst for Agricultural Superpower Ambition

Addis Ababa, November 1, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia has enormous potential to advance agriculture and other development sectors through additional dams and other water-related projects, an Israeli water-technology expert said.

The country has vast potential to harness its water resources, while investments in hydropower and expanding infrastructure offer enormous opportunities to transform its agricultural sector, boost energy production and accelerate broader economic development, he told ENA.

Ravid Levy, Director of WaterEdge.IL, Israel’s national water innovation community, said Ethiopia has the potential to emerge as an agricultural powerhouse if its water resources and ongoing development projects are effectively harnessed.

 

In an exclusive interview with ENA on the sidelines of the Third Ethiopian Water and Energy Week in Addis Ababa, Levy highlighted the country's expanding infrastructure, hydropower development and growing economy as key foundations for unlocking its agricultural and economic potential.

"Ethiopia has a huge potential with the dam, with other projects, with growing infrastructure, economy, and agriculture as well. It could be and can be an agriculture superpower," he said.

Levy, an Israeli water-technology expert, noted that water and energy are closely interconnected.

He further stressed that coordinated development of the two sectors is essential to expanding electricity generation, improving water management and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The expert emphasized that effectively harnessing Ethiopia's water resources could generate wider economic and social benefits, particularly by strengthening agricultural productivity, food security and energy access.

He also underscored the importance of modern water-management technologies, including smart monitoring, metering and systems to reduce non-revenue water, in improving the efficiency and sustainability of water utilities.

Turning to bilateral cooperation, Levy said Israel's experience in water management, technological innovation and research offers significant opportunities for collaboration with Ethiopian institutions.

He identified joint academic research, partnerships between technology companies and Ethiopian water utilities, and technology transfer as promising areas for advancing bilateral cooperation.

 

He explained that partnerships between Ethiopian and Israeli universities could combine their research capabilities to develop practical solutions to water-related challenges, adapting existing technologies and expertise to Ethiopia's specific needs and development priorities.

Similarly, collaboration between Israeli technology companies and Ethiopian water utilities could help introduce innovative solutions in smart water monitoring, metering, water-loss reduction and improved service delivery.

Highlighting the wider significance of water development, Levy said reliable water supply and effective wastewater management are essential not only for agriculture but also for public health, environmental protection and economic advancement.

 

He further stressed that strong government commitment, complemented by the active participation of universities, private companies and other stakeholders, is crucial to translating the two countries' shared development interests into tangible results.

Levy said such cooperation could help both countries address their respective water challenges while advancing technological innovation and sustainable development.