Empowering young graduates in the Ethiopian seed sector
The fourth round of the ESP Internship Program has officially commenced, welcoming 28 recent graduates (including 8 women) with diverse educational backgrounds in plant science, horticulture, rural development, agricultural extension, agribusiness, and crop production. This initiative continues to serve as a platform for fostering skilled professionals in Ethiopia’s seed sector.
A glimpse to the seed sector and personal development training for interns
To kickstart the program, a two-day personal development training was held from October 14-15, 2025, in Addis Ababa. The training aimed to introduce interns to fundamental concepts of personal development, goal setting, and communication skills. Additionally, it focused on fostering a mindset of self-actualization, responsibility, motivation, teamwork, and work ethics—qualities essential for their internship journey and future career success.
The training commenced with an introductory presentation by Wubshet Beshir, ESP Crop Management and Innovation Expert. He highlighted ESP’s commitment to enhancing the supply of skilled manpower in Ethiopia’s seed sector. Reflecting on the success of previous rounds, he noted how many interns secured positions with seed companies or launched their own seed businesses. Expressing optimism for this round, he emphasized its potential to achieve similar outcomes.
Ansha Yesuf, Skill and Career Development Expert at ESP, facilitated the training using interactive methods that encouraged interns to share their experiences and expectations for the program. The participants expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the internship program and learn more about the seed sector—a field that many had limited knowledge of prior to joining.
Intern reflection: Expectations and their aspirations
Yalemzerf Mekonen, an intern with a degree in Horticulture and Agronomy from Bule Hora University, shared her excitement about contributing to the Ethiopian seed sector. She expressed her desire after her participation in the internship to contribute to enhance the availability of improved seed varieties for farmers. She remarked, “I know there are not enough improved varieties reaching farmers. I want to contribute my part in enhancing the availability and supply of improved seed to farmers.”
Balewgize Ayele, a graduate with a BSc degree in Plant Science from Debrebirhan University, highlighted his motivation for transitioning into the seed sector after working in a car battery production company. He stated, “I am very happy for getting selected in the ESP internship program. I expect to learn more and improve my knowledge and skills in the seed sector that will enable me to benefit from this industry.”
Building connections and career development
ESP has partnered with several companies to host interns and also encouraging interns to proactively connect with organizations in the seed sector. Beyond the initial training, ESP will continue providing technical and economic support throughout the program. This support is tailored to advance their careers and establish meaningful connections within the labor market.
Looking ahead: what is next
Following the success of previous rounds, this fourth round is expected to play an instrumental role in offering young graduates’ valuable exposure to Ethiopia’s seed sector. Through practical learning experiences and targeted support, the program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to secure employment opportunities or even establish their own business ventures in the seed sector.
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