Ethiopia becomes Africa’s largest wheat producer

Ethiopia has become Africa’s largest wheat producer for the first time, reaching a record output of more than 33 mln tons. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the milestone after inspecting a 2,150-ha wheat field in the Oromia region.

According to him, just a few years ago the country was still importing wheat, but the situation has changed significantly due to the expansion of summer and seasonal farming programmes. This year, more than 8 mln ha were planted with wheat, which has driven a substantial increase in production.

The Prime Minister noted that output rose from around 28 mln tons last year to 33 mln tons this season, marking an annual increase of about 5 mln tons. He stressed that this growth is the result of both expanded cultivated areas and improved agricultural efficiency.

Beyond grain production, Ethiopia’s agricultural sector is also strengthening livestock farming, with around 500,000 litres of milk supplied daily to urban areas. According to the government, this is improving living standards and reducing dependence on social safety-net programmes.

Authorities say that with continued technological adoption and further expansion of cultivated land, Ethiopia could potentially reach 50 mln tons of wheat production in the coming years, consolidating its position as a key agricultural power on the continent.