The Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA) has consistently demonstrated its commitment to learning, collaboration, and the advancement of Ethiopia’s seed industry by actively participating in the annual AFSTA Congress. This year, ESA management and Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP) staff joined the AFSTA 2025 Congress held in Kigali, Rwanda, from March 3-5, 2025. With the support of ESP, all costs for accommodation, flights, and registration fees were covered, ensuring Ethiopia’s representation at this critical international event.
AFSTA 2025 Congress: A hub for knowledge exchange
The AFSTA Congress serves as a premier platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and addressing emerging challenges in the seed sector. Delegates from across Africa and beyond convene annually to foster collaboration and explore innovative practices. ESA’s participation this year was guided by several key objectives including sharing experiences with other African seed associations, facilitating international partnerships for ESA members, and advocating for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to host future AFSTA Congresses,
Key takeaways from AFSTA 2025
ESA engaged with prominent seed associations and companies from across the globe, including the Zambian Seed Trade Association, Kenyan Seed Trade Association, Joeun Seeds Co., Ltd (Korea), Malav Seeds Pvt. Ltd. (India), Mahyco International Pt Ltd (Singapore), DLF Seeds (Denmark), and more. These discussions opened doors to potential collaborations that could enhance Ethiopia’s seed sector. These engagements have yielded valuable insights and opportunities for ESA to learn, particularly in the areas of internal resource mobilisation, membership expansion, and digital innovation.
ESA’s lobbying efforts to host AFSTA Congress: A work in progress
Despite being an AFSTA member since 2005 and serving as a board member for one term, ESA has yet to host the AFSTA Congress in Addis Ababa. During the 2025 Congress, ESA actively lobbied for hosting rights in 2026 but faced competition from South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya, which were granted hosting privileges for the next three years.
ESA emphasised Ethiopia’s untapped potential in the seed sector and presented compelling arguments for hosting future congresses. While lobbying efforts showed promise, ESA recognises the need for stronger collaboration among government bodies, regulators, associations, and all seed sector actors to secure hosting rights in subsequent years.
ESA’s active participation in international congresses like AFSTA is crucial not only for its members but also for the overall advancement of Ethiopia’s seed sector. The lessons learned from AFSTA 2025 provide a roadmap for enhancing ESA’s operations, fostering collaboration across the sector, and strengthening Ethiopia’s position in the global seed market. However, achieving these ambitious goals requires a concerted effort to strengthen ESA’s organizational capacity while advocating for its members’ interests at both national and international levels. By leveraging the lessons learned from AFSTA 2025, ESA is well-positioned to significantly contribute to the transformation of the Ethiopia’s seed sector.
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