Addis Ababa: A bold new agricultural venture is set to take root in Ethiopia’s Bole-Limi Industrial Park Special Economic Zone, as African Farming Industries pledges a $2 million investment to cultivate high-value strawberries and saffron. The ambitious project signifies a move towards modern, export-oriented agriculture, leveraging cutting-edge techniques to transform Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape.
The deal, formalized through a memorandum of understanding with the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation, will see African Farming Industries utilize 5,000 square meters of land and a 3,000-square-meter shed to kickstart operations.
Nasser Mahamat, CEO of African Farming Industries, revealed plans to employ advanced agricultural methods, including vertical farming, to maximize production for export. This approach, drawing on the company’s experience in Chad, promises to bring a new level of efficiency and productivity to Ethiopian agriculture.
Fiseha Yitegesu (PhD), CEO of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation, assured the company of unwavering support, highlighting the project’s alignment with Ethiopia’s strategic vision to become a leading exporter of strawberries and saffron.
The venture is not merely about crop production; it is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and facilitate crucial technological transfer within the local agricultural sector. The adoption of modern farming techniques, such as hydroponics and vertical farming, will enable crop cultivation without reliance on traditional soil methods, offering a sustainable and efficient approach to agriculture.
This investment underscores Ethiopia’s growing appeal as a hub for innovative agricultural development. The partnership between African Farming Industries and the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation signals a significant step towards diversifying the nation’s agricultural exports and embracing modern farming practices.
