Ethiopia launches sorghum commercialization program and plans to boost exports

Ethiopia is launching a program to commercialize sorghum production, aiming to expand its use beyond domestic consumption and increase regional trade. The initiative is being implemented under the National Sorghum Flagship Programme and covers the entire value chain, from production to processing and exports.

The government aims to increase the use of sorghum in animal feed, beverage production, food processing and specialized products. To attract private investment, authorities plan to modernize seed commercialization rules, strengthen legal protections for contract farming, introduce tax incentives and allocate space in state-backed agro-industrial parks.

Particular attention is being given to expanding domestic processing capacity. This is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs and allow local companies to capture more added value before selling products on domestic and export markets.

Ethiopia also plans to use the opportunities offered by COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand exports of sorghum-based products. The government expects this to increase foreign currency earnings and strengthen the country’s position in regional agricultural trade.

The strategy also relies on sorghum’s climate resilience and suitability for arid and semi-arid regions. The program includes the adoption of modern technologies, private investment and support for smallholder farmers through their integration into processing supply chains.

Tags: export, Ethiopia, sorghum