By STAFF REPORTER
KEYIR NEWS - Ethiopia is poised to take centre stage in global discussions on food security and agricultural transformation as it hosts the United Nations Food Systems Summit from July 27–29, 2025 in Addis Ababa.
The high-level international conference is expected to bring together over 4,700 participants from around the world, including government leaders, international organisations, food producers, researchers, and youth representatives.
The summit aims to assess and share successes and challenges faced by countries as they strive to reform and strengthen their food systems in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A key focus will be fostering collaboration among governments, private sector actors, smallholder farmers, development partners, and civil society to build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
Ethiopia’s selection as the host country is widely seen as a recognition of the remarkable strides it has made in agricultural transformation in recent years.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the country will showcase its record-breaking achievements in wheat production, its expansion of rice cultivation, and the pioneering “Green Legacy” initiative, which has resulted in the planting of billions of trees.
“These achievements are not accidental,” said Agriculture Minister Girma Amente (PhD). “They are the outcome of deliberate and bold policy reforms, extensive investment in irrigation infrastructure, and a national commitment to food sovereignty and environmental resilience.”
Indeed, Ethiopia has reported a 60 million quintal increase in wheat production this year alone, attributed to winter and summer irrigation schemes implemented under the National Wheat Initiative.
Similarly, rice production has expanded significantly, with cultivation increasing from 300,000 to 1.6 million hectares, reaching 63 million quintals in annual output.
The summit will provide a platform for Ethiopian policymakers and technocrats to share these achievements with the global community, while also attracting foreign investment in agriculture and agri-processing.
Several international agribusiness firms and investment agencies are expected to participate in dedicated business-to-business (B2B) sessions aimed at forging new partnerships and financing opportunities.
“This is not only a moment of pride for Ethiopia,” noted an official from the Ministry of Finance, “but also a historic opportunity to link Ethiopian producers and investors with the global market, and to learn from best practices around the world.”
In addition to showcasing national progress, the summit will also delve into critical challenges facing food systems, including climate change, market access barriers, supply chain fragility, and the urgent need for youth engagement in agriculture.
With Africa facing rising food insecurity, the Addis Ababa summit is expected to culminate in a regional roadmap for sustainable food systems transformation, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s 2030 Development Agenda.
The opening session is set to feature keynote addresses from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), senior UN officials, and representatives from the African Union Commission. The summit will also host a Ministerial Roundtable, interactive workshops, and exhibitions showcasing innovative solutions in the agri-food sector.