Ethiopia’s seed sector is witnessing a significant change, as the new seed directive being implemented which ease the process of registering crop varieties and encourage private sector participation. Historically, the variety registration system was criticized for its lengthy, complex, and costly procedures that slowed the introduction of high-yielding and high-quality crop varieties. Today, thanks to a collaborative effort led by the Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP) and the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA), those barriers are being dismantled.
The newly approved seed directive introduces significant reforms, including a shift toward company-led adaptation trials for variety registration. Under the directive, private companies are now empowered to independently conduct trials with scientific oversight and validation provided by researchers from public institutions. This decentralization has expedited the registration process while fostering innovation within the private sector.
The Ethiopian government has outlined three distinct systems for registering crop varieties, one of which allows private entities to take the lead in adaptation trials. To ensure smooth implementation, Ethiopian Seed Partnership has played a pivotal role by piloting the new directive with selected private seed companies, offering technical support, linking stakeholders, and bolstering collaboration.
The impact of these reforms has been remarkable. In a record-breaking milestone, 19 new crop varieties were registered in a single year by 2026; a clear indication of the system’s effectiveness. The key private seed companies in the forefront include Nunhems Ethiopia PLC which has successfully registered 10 varieties across five vegetable crops, while Rijk Zwaan achieved the official registration of 14 varieties spanning 13 different vegetable crops. Markos PLC also made significant progress, registering three new varieties, and Lidea, in collaboration with SAMANU through the new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, introduced two new sunflower varieties.
These achievements highlight that the new directive has empowered private companies to play an active role in enhancing agricultural productivity, offering farmers access to high-quality and preferred crop varieties. Experts anticipate that these reforms will continue to drive growth in Ethiopia’s seed sector, ultimately contributing to the country’s broader agricultural development and economic progress. The concerted efforts of public and private stakeholders signal a promising future for Ethiopian agriculture, marked by increased efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
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