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Innovative finance to boost Ethiopia’s seed sector: A celebration of success
In an effort to strengthen Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, the Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP) has unveiled a transformative financial initiative that promises to revolutionize the way seed companies access funding. The Guarantee to Grant Facility (G2G), developed by Stichting Wageningen Research (SWR) Ethiopia ESP project, Awash Bank, and RSLNC Consultancy PLC, is providing much-needed collateral support…
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Key discussions from the Ethiopia-Netherlands Seed Committee meeting
On April 24th, 2026, the Ethiopia-Netherlands Seed Committee had a regular meeting to discuss on pressing issues that affect vegetable seed business and chart a path forward for Ethiopia’s seed sector. The agenda covered pivotal topics such as variety testing for registration, legal framework approval and enforcement, Plant Variety Protection (PVP), illegal seed trade Tackling…
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Hands-on training to strengthen private seed companies seed quality analysis capacity
In an effort to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and bolster climate resilience, the role of high-quality seeds cannot be overstated. Recognizing this, the Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP) has been working diligently with domestic seed companies to strengthen their capacity in seed production and quality assurance. By equipping these companies with the tools and knowledge…
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Seeds for resilience in fragile context: A new chapter forcommunity-based seed production in Afar Region
In Ethiopia’s Afar Region, farmers long reliant on humanitarian seed aid due to droughts and floods are now seeing change. Efforts are underway to transform the seed system, offering hope to these resilient agro-pastoral communities. The region has long faced seed insecurity, relying on external seed assistance due to the lack of local producers except…
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Training of Trainers to strengthen Alage ATVET Business Incubation Center
To strengthen the capacity of Alage Agricultural TVET College Business Incubation Center (BIC), a four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program was recently conducted for the academic staff and management of the college alongside representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS). This ToT aimed to equip participants with the required technical skills and knowledge…
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Strengthening international seed partnerships through AFSTA 2026 annual congress
The Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA), in partnership with the Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP), led a delegation to the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) 2026 Annual Congress, held from March 23–25, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. Under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Future, One Seed at a Time,” the congress brought together key stakeholders from the…
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Seed self-certification pilot to advance seed quality
Ethiopia’s seed sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of Seed Self-Certification as outlined in the new seed proclamation. This proclamation introduces diverse seed certification systems, with self-certification being a pivotal component. However, translating the provisions of the proclamation into actionable outcomes presents notable challenges. In response, the Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP) has…
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National Seed Forum highlights challenges and opportunities in Ethiopia’s seed sector
A National Seed Forum was convened on March 7, 2026, at the Ministry of Agriculture meeting hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Organized by the Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA) with support from the Ethiopia Netherlands Seed Partnership (ESP), and Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), the forum was held under the theme “Quality Seed for Food System Transformation.”…
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Stakeholders discuss strategies to reinitiate Direct Seed Marketing in Oromia Region
In a concerted effort to enhance seed marketing and ensure the efficient delivery of quality seeds to farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), in collaboration with the Oromia Bureau of Agriculture (BoA), Oromia Seed Enterprise, and Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP), hosted a regional stakeholders’ consultative workshop in the Oromia Region on 5th of March 2026.…
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A field that speaks for itself: Farmers’ Field Day brings new hope for seed producers in Afar
In the arid and sun-scorched lands of the Afar Region, a green revolution is taking root. A homegrown maize seed production initiative is offering hope to local communities, ensuring the availability of quality seeds that are accessible and tailored to farmers’ needs. The story of transformation begins with a simple yet powerful belief: “Afar can…
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Exploring new horizons: Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships in Ethiopia’s forage seed sector
DLF, a globally renowned seed producer based in Denmark, recently visited Ethiopia and engaged in constructive discussions with the SWR Ethiopia Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP) project and RESILNCE teams. As a leading international company in forage seed production, DLF is committed to fostering public-private partnerships (PPP) to introduce high-quality forage crop varieties to the Ethiopian…
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Direct Seed Marketing (DSM) to be resumed to address seed marketing challenges in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s agricultural sector stands as a cornerstone of the country’s economy, and the seed sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and improved agricultural productivity. However, the seed market in Ethiopia faces numerous challenges, particularly with issues related to carry-over seed. In 2025, the National Seed Technical Committee (NSTC) identified this issue as…
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Collaborative planning for coordinated seed emergency response in Tigray
Recognizing the critical importance of sustainable seed systems in fragile contexts, a consultative and joint planning meeting was held on 30–31 December 2025 in Wukro town, Tigray region. The event brought together key humanitarian and development (HD) actors to discuss, jointly plan market-based seed response in the region. The meeting convened 37 participants representing government…
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Restoring seed systems: A pathway to recovery and resilience in Tigray
The conflict in Tigray has severely disrupted agriculture, leaving farming communities struggling. Local seed systems, vital for food production and farmer resilience, have been heavily impacted. Key structures like Seed Producer Cooperatives (SPCs) and Community Seed Banks (CSBs) face damaged infrastructure, hindering their ability to produce, store, and distribute quality seeds. To address this pressing…
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Ethiopian Seed Partnership and Alage Agricultural TVET join forces to create young entrepreneurs
To foster entrepreneurship and development of the seed sector, the SWR Ethiopia ESP project has joined hands with Alage Agricultural TVET College to support the college’s Business Incubation Centre. This collaboration is set to change the way young trainees are prepared for entrepreneurial ventures in the seed sector and related agricultural businesses. The primary goal…
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A new chapter of seed self-sufficiency for Benishangul Gumuz Region
The Benishangul-Gumuz Region, a fertile area in Ethiopia renowned for its agricultural potential, particularly in maize production, is taking significant strides toward achieving seed self-sufficiency. Historically, the region has been a key supplier of hybrid maize seed for the nation, with larger companies and public seed enterprises producing seeds in the area. However, the reliance…
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Seed producer cooperatives visit Solagrow PLC to learn innovative potato seed multiplication technology
In its continued effort to address seed insecurity in Ethiopia, the SWR Ethiopia ESP project has partnered with Haramaya and Mekelle universities to enhance the supply of improved seeds through Seed Producer Cooperatives (SPCs). This collaboration focuses on upgrading the technical and infrastructural capacities of SPCs in East Hararghe and Tigray regions. By improving governance,…
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Short term training on seed sector governance for seed professionals
The seed sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the agricultural landscape of Ethiopia. Recognizing the need to address challenges and enhance the capacity of professionals within the seed sector, SWR Ethiopia ESP project collaborated with Haramaya University and organized a short-term training program “Governance for Seed Sector Development.” This targeted training took place from…
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Enhancing capacity and resilience of seed producer cooperatives in Oromia Region
In a commendable effort to address seed insecurity and enhance seed sector development in Ethiopia, the SWR Ethiopia ESP project has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the seed sector by supporting six Seed Producer Cooperatives (SPCs) in the East Hararghe zone of Oromia region. The project has focused on enhancing the capacity and efficiency of…
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Afar region achieves historic milestone in seed response and development
The Afar Region has reached a significant milestone in its seed production and supply self-sufficiency effort with the official endorsement of its first Seed Response and Seed Development Guideline. This achievement marks a transformative step toward establishing resilient agricultural practices and a robust seed development system in the region. The endorsement event, facilitated by Mercy…
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