CABI News

CABI has reached a significant milestone in its partnership with Ethiopia by signing a Host Country Agreement. This agreement enables the organization formally establish CABI’s office in the country, allowing it to operate more efficiently and deepen its impact.

It also strengthens the long-standing partnership and reinforces the framework that allows CABI to mobilize its expertise, financing, and partnerships in close alignment with Ethiopia’s development priorities.

The agreement was signed by Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Ethiopia and CABI’s Executive Director, Dr Morris Akiri representing CABI. This marks another step forward in a long standing relationship that was formalized in 2020 when Ethiopia became CABI’s Member Country.

As a Member Country, Ethiopia benefits from development programmes and projects, training and capacity building, diagnostic, technical and advisory services, CABI’s online and ofline resources, and input into CABI’s global development agenda, access to its international network of partners, and regular consultations to address national priorities.

Strengthening collaboration

CABI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation, describing the country’s development journey as “an inspiring and exemplary case for many African nations.”

“We are honoured to be part of Ethiopia’s development efforts and proud that CABI is among the few institutions granted this privilege. We will use this opportunity to more closely and strongly support the development of our Member Country, Ethiopia,” said Dr Akiri.

Ambassador Hadera Abera and Dr Morris Akiri hold up the Host Country Agreements after the signing.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economy

Ethiopia, with close to 130 million people, stands as Africa’s second most populous country after Nigeria. It has recorded some of the fastest global economic growth, averaging 7–12% annually. Agriculture drives Ethiopia’s economy, contributing 31% of GDP in 2025, employing a large workforce, and accounting for nearly 77% of exports in 2020.

Over the years, CABI has played a vital role in strengthening Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture, EIAR, Ethiopia’s Coffee and Tea Authority, Universities and other organizations. Through these partnerships, this collaboration has helped tackle crop pests and invasive species that threaten prosperity, food security, and biodiversity.

Enhancing plant health and agricultural value chains in Ethiopia

One example of CABI’s work in Ethiopia is a strategic partnership through the PlantwisePlus programme. The programme has strengthened plant health services by establishing village-based plant clinics across the country. By integrating digital tools into these services, the programme now delivers faster, data‑driven solutions to farmers who need them most. CABI has also worked to enhance coffee production and productivity, strengthen pest management, improve coffee quality, expand financing options, and open up market access.

CABI is also partnering with Ethiopian regulatory authorities and horticultural growers to improve false codling moth (FCM) management and ensure compliance with EU market standards for rose‑cut flowers. This work is vital: the horticultural sector is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economy, driving foreign exchange earnings and creating jobs. In addition, CABI also partners with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, to promote adoption of practices that ensure safe and sustainable production of horticultural crops. CABI also strongly supports the Ethiopian Agriculture Authority to strengthen Pest Risk Analysis and other Sanitary and Phytosanitary capacities.

Strengthening digital agriculture and data- driven decision-making

As part of its broader work on digital agriculture, CABI supported the Ethiopian government in developing its digital agriculture strategy through the Enabling FAIR data sharing and responsible data use project. It also conducted in-country consultations and reviewed existing policies. This work produced recommendations that now form part of Ethiopia’s Digital Agriculture Roadmap.

Dr Negussie Efa, Senior Scientist, said: “CABI’s collaboration with the Ethiopian government has helped establish us as a trusted partner in shaping national digital agriculture initiatives. Building on this experience, we are now engaging with several other African countries to explore how the digital agriculture roadmap approach can be adapted to different national contexts.”

“This work not only allows us to share lessons learned but also supports governments in designing strategies that are put into practice. By working closely with national stakeholders, it strengthens ownership, making agriculture more data-driven, effective, and sustainable across the region.”

Ethiopia is also one of the focus countries for CABI- led Global Burden of Crop Loss (GBCL) initiative. Through this project, CABI aims to support plant health by providing actionable estimates of crop losses to inform decision-making at local, national, and global levels.

Additional information

Main image: Signing of the Host Country Agreement: Ambassador Hadera Abera signed on behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, while Dr Morris Akiri, CABI’s Executive Director, represented CABI. Witnessing the signing were Dr Negussie Efa, CABI Scientist and Country Programmes Manager in Ethiopia and Legal Officer at International Legal Affairs Directorate General of MoFA, Hewan Endashaw.

CABI’s work in Ethiopia

●   Every kilogram counts: Tackling crop loss in Kenya and Ethiopia with data-driven action
●   Plant health services in Ethiopia boosted through PlantwisePlus partnership
●   Data sharing initiatives promoted by CABI with partners in Ethiopia.’
●   CABI joins SWIFT response to help improve food security in Ethiopia.’
●   ‘Ethiopia’s Director of Plant Protection explores further collaboration with CABI.’
●   ‘CABI to help increase healthy vegetable production and consumption in Kenya and Ethiopia.’