Ethiopia plans to increase wheat production to 50 mln tons and supply neighboring countries

Ethiopia has become Africa’s largest wheat producer after harvesting a record crop in the current season. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the country’s wheat production exceeded 33 mln tons, compared to about 28 mln tons a year earlier.

According to the Prime Minister, more than 8 mln ha of wheat were planted during both the main rainy season and the dry farming season in 2025/26 MY. Wheat acreage increased by nearly 1 mln ha compared to last year, allowing production to rise by around 5 mln tons.

Ethiopia is actively expanding wheat cultivation as part of its food self-sufficiency strategy. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, dry-season wheat farming was uncommon in the country, but the government invested heavily in irrigation, mechanization and modern agricultural technologies to reduce dependence on imports and food aid.

Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia could raise wheat production to 50 mln tons in the coming years through continued investment and wider adoption of agricultural technologies. Alongside crop production, farms in wheat-growing regions are also developing dairy and poultry sectors.

Analysts and grain traders believe Ethiopia’s rapid growth in wheat production could reshape grain trade flows in East Africa. If output continues to expand steadily, the country could reduce the region’s dependence on imported wheat and strengthen intra-African grain trade by supplying neighboring countries.