Hawassa Hosts Sidama Agricultural Investment Forum 2026

The Sidama Region Agricultural Investment Forum 2026 was held in Hawassa, Ethiopia, from November 7 to 8, 2026. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture Ethiopia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It brought together key stakeholders to explore opportunities for agricultural investment and sectoral growth. The forum aimed to strengthen agricultural investment, promote value chain development, and improve access to finance.

State Minister of Agriculture Ethiopia, Sofia Kassa, addressed the opening ceremony, emphasizing the need for private sector participation to unlock the country's agricultural potential. She noted that the government is providing support mechanisms and incentives to facilitate the success of agricultural investments. Kassa highlighted that creating a favorable investment climate is crucial for sustainable growth in the sector.

Sidama Regional State Vice President Dawit Hayeso stressed the critical role of agriculture in driving economic growth, increasing production and productivity, and creating employment and investment opportunities. He underscored the regional government's commitment to maximizing the region's agricultural potential and fostering an enabling environment for investors. Hayeso called on domestic and international investors to take advantage of the region's vast agricultural opportunities.

The FAO Representative to Ethiopia, Workicho Jateno, commended Ethiopia's achievements in the agricultural sector and reaffirmed FAO's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the government. The organization aims to support agricultural development and food systems transformation in the country. Jateno's statement highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing sustainable agricultural transformation.

In addition to the forum, participants took part in an agricultural products exhibition and panel discussions. Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) discussions were also held to create partnerships and expand investment opportunities across the agricultural value chain. These parallel events aimed to facilitate new investment commitments and strengthen cooperation among stakeholders.

The Sidama Region Agricultural Investment Forum 2026 is expected to contribute to Ethiopia's agricultural development agenda. The event provided a platform for dialogue among government institutions, development partners, investors, and private sector actors. By exploring opportunities for agricultural investment, stakeholders can work together to advance sustainable agricultural transformation and sectoral growth.

The forum's outcomes are anticipated to have a positive impact on Ethiopia's agricultural sector. By engaging investors and promoting value chain development, the government aims to boost agricultural productivity and accelerate sector development. The collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture Ethiopia, FAO, and other stakeholders is crucial for achieving these goals and ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.

Key points

• The forum aims to engage investors in identifying practical ways to boost agricultural productivity and accelerate sector development.