A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between African Farming Industries and the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation to formalize the investment. The company will use 5,000 square meters of land and a 3,000-square-meter shed to initiate operations.

Speaking at the signing, Fiseha Yitegesu (PhD), CEO of the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation, assured support for the project’s implementation.

“This initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s goal of becoming a key exporter of high-value crops like strawberries and saffron,” he said.

Nasser Mahamat, CEO of African Farming Industries, emphasized the company’s plans to introduce advanced farming methods to boost export-oriented production.

“We will apply modern agricultural techniques, including vertical farming, to enhance productivity,” he stated. The company, which has experience in Chad, aims to use its expertise to improve Ethiopia’s agricultural output.

Strawberry production in Ethiopia is gaining momentum, with several farms adopting innovative methods. Zuqualla Horti PLC, for example, uses advanced greenhouse systems with drip irrigation and volcanic ash as a growing medium. These techniques allow year-round production, increased yields, and reduced labor costs.

According to industry reports, Ethiopia produced approximately 2.6 thousand tons of strawberries in 2023, marking a 4% increase from the previous year.

The sector has experienced steady growth, including an 87% production increase in 2018. Ethiopia exports most of its strawberries to markets in the Middle East and Europe, with key destinations including the United Arab Emirates and Germany.

The Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation sees African Farming Industries’ investment as an opportunity to improve technology transfer and create jobs.

The project is expected to contribute to Ethiopia’s long-term agricultural development strategy by introducing modern farming techniques such as hydroponics and vertical farming.

While Ethiopia’s strawberry industry is expanding, it faces competition from other African countries. Egypt remains the largest producer, contributing around 300,000 tons annually, with exports primarily to Europe and the Middle East.

South Africa and Morocco also produce significant volumes, each yielding approximately 85,000 tons per year, with exports focused on Europe and Asia.

Ethiopia’s entry into large-scale strawberry farming highlights the country’s efforts to position itself as a key player in the international fresh produce market.

With African Farming Industries’ investment, the sector could see further growth in production capacity and export opportunities.

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