Hawassa, the capital of Ethiopia’s Sidama Region, hosted the Sidama Region Agricultural Investment Forum 2026 from November 7 to 8, bringing together government representatives, development partners, investors and private-sector stakeholders to explore opportunities for agricultural investment and sustainable sectoral growth.
Jointly organized by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the forum provided a platform for dialogue and partnership aimed at accelerating agricultural transformation. Discussions focused on strengthening investment, developing agricultural value chains, improving market linkages and expanding access to finance.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sofia Kassa (PhD), State Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the forum was intended to engage investors in identifying practical approaches to increasing agricultural productivity and accelerating the sector’s development. She emphasized that stronger private-sector participation would be essential to unlocking Ethiopia’s agricultural potential.
Kassa also highlighted government efforts to create a favorable investment climate through support mechanisms and incentives designed to facilitate agricultural projects and promote sustainable growth. These measures, she noted, are intended to encourage investment while supporting the long-term development of the sector.
Sidama Regional State Vice President Dawit Hayeso (PhD) underscored agriculture’s importance as a driver of economic growth, increased production and productivity, employment creation and investment. He reaffirmed the regional government’s commitment to maximizing Sidama’s agricultural potential and establishing an enabling environment for investors.
He also called on domestic and international investors to explore the region’s agricultural opportunities and participate in initiatives that can contribute to its economic development.
FAO Representative to Ethiopia Workicho Jateno (PhD) commended the country’s progress in agriculture and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working closely with the government to advance agricultural development and transform food systems.
Beyond the formal discussions, the forum featured an exhibition of agricultural products, panel sessions and business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings. These activities were designed to connect potential investors with public institutions, businesses and other stakeholders, while identifying partnership opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
The event comes as Ethiopia continues to position agriculture as a central pillar of its economic development, with investment in productivity, processing, market access and value addition playing an important role in strengthening the sector. For Sidama, the forum offers an opportunity to showcase its agricultural potential and attract partnerships capable of supporting local production, expanding commercial opportunities and creating employment.
Organizers expect the Sidama Region Agricultural Investment Forum 2026 to generate new investment commitments and deepen cooperation among stakeholders working to advance Ethiopia’s agricultural development agenda. The discussions and business engagements initiated in Hawassa are intended to help translate investment interest into practical opportunities across the region’s agricultural economy.
