@Agribusiness – Ethiopian Business Review

Holland Dairy has inaugurated a new cold storage facility and wastewater treatment plant in Bishoftu, built with an investment of over USD 4 million. The project is part of the company’s effort to support cleaner dairy production and tackle water use challenges in Ethiopia.

The new storage unit can hold about one million yogurt cups, or 400,000 liters of yogurt, giving the company the capacity to better handle demand while keeping products fresh.

Holland Dairy processes both milk and yogurt using between 2 and 2.5 liters of water per liter of product. As the company grows, it says wastewater levels are rising quickly. The new plant treats all used water, mostly drawn from underground sources before it’s returned to nature. Some of this water is reused to help safeguard the environment, nearby farms, and local lakes.

The company works closely with more than 4,000 dairy farmers and 15 to 20 cooperatives in areas like Chancho, Debre Birhan, Arsi, Bekoji, Fiche, and Mukturi. These farmers supply the fresh milk that feeds Holland Dairy’s production line.

“If we want to grow, they need to grow,” said Robin Veenstra, CEO of Holland Dairy. “That’s how we see it. We don’t just wait and hope things get better, we get involved and help improve quality and supply together.”

Looking beyond its current stronghold in Addis Ababa, Holland Dairy has expressed intentions to distribute Gouda cheese more widely across Ethiopia and launch new product flavors. The company is also eyeing regional markets in East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Ethiopia is actively courting global investors with bold economic reforms and sectoral liberalization, as it hosts the Invest in Ethiopia – High-Level Business Forum 2025 in Addis Ababa from May 12–13. The event brings together international investors, senior government officials, and development partners to explore opportunities in priority sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, ICT, and manufacturing.

Organized by the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), the Ministry of Finance, and the Development Partners Group, the two-day forum signals Ethiopia’s firm commitment to private sector-led growth. The country’s 8.1% GDP growth in 2024 and recent policy reforms have positioned it as one of Africa’s top destinations for investment.

The Forum features high-level ministerial roundtables, sector panels, networking sessions, and the official launch of a new Investment Deal Book, aimed at enhancing transparency and deal-making for foreign investors.

In his opening remarks, President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized the government’s efforts to improve the investment climate by addressing long-standing challenges in foreign direct investment (FDI). “Reforms have been designed to attract FDI, sustain growth, and drive structural transformation,” he noted, adding that infrastructure development and investor-friendly policies are being prioritized to meet Ethiopia’s goal of becoming Africa’s leading economy by 2030.

“We believe we are on the right track to ensure macro-financial stability,” he added. “Our reforms are fundamentally reimagining Ethiopia’s economic future.”

Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos (PhD) echoed the president’s message, stating that Ethiopia’s young, energetic population, improved logistics, and rapid development of industrial parks make it a natural hub for international investment. He encouraged investors to explore opportunities not just in traditional sectors, but also in mining, energy, and tourism.

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide underlined the importance of macroeconomic stability and structural reforms. “Opening up sectors like telecom, finance, and logistics is already yielding results,” he said. He also highlighted the launch of the Ethiopian capital market as a game-changer in deepening private-sector participation.

EIC Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen Boru (PhD) reported that new investors from 59 countries are participating in the forum—a sign of growing international confidence. He stressed the government’s readiness to provide full support to investors and ensure predictability in policy implementation.

A presentation by Planning and Development Minister Dr. Fitsum Assefa showcased Ethiopia’s natural resources, strategic location, and investment-ready infrastructure, reinforcing the country’s competitive edge in attracting quality investments.

With AfCFTA integration on the horizon, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a regional gateway for investors seeking access to Africa’s fast-growing markets.

In what industry observers are calling a watershed moment for Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, three powerhouse organizations have joined forces to reshape the nation’s food production and processing landscape. The Ethiopian Trading and Business Corporation (ETBC), Soy Afric, and Kazana Group have inked a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding that promises to revolutionize the entire agricultural value chain – from seed to export.

Ethiopia and the European Union (EU) today signed a major €240 Million (USD266.7 million) grant agreement under the 2024 Annual Action Programme (AAP-2024), reinforcing their five-decade-long strategic partnership. The agreement, inked at the Ministry of Finance, targets critical development areas, including agribusiness expansion, digital skills training, post-conflict recovery, and governance reforms.

The funding will support agribusiness initiatives to enhance productivity and create jobs for smallholder farmers, while also strengthening digital skills within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to drive economic growth. Additionally, the program will bolster democratic institutions, restore basic health services in conflict-affected regions, and provide psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence. Another key focus is improving economic opportunities for displaced populations through integrated solutions and boosting private sector engagement in vital value chains.

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide hailed the EU’s support as pivotal in addressing Ethiopia’s pressing challenges. “This financing package is crucial for stimulating private sector investment, modernizing our tax and customs systems, and enhancing services in agribusiness, health, and education,” he said. “It reinforces our longstanding partnership and contributes significantly to our ongoing reforms.”

The minister also stressed the importance of regional integration under the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, highlighting the Horn of Africa’s untapped potential for economic cooperation. “As we navigate evolving economic landscapes, our focus on regional cooperation is more critical than ever,” he noted, referencing collaborative frameworks like the Horn of Africa Initiative (HOAI).

EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, underscored the agreement’s broader significance, stating, “The AAP 2024 reflects our collective commitment to advancing sustainable development in Ethiopia. This is not just a financial agreement; it is a manifestation of our shared values and goals for a prosperous future.”

Holland Dairy Unveils USD4 Million Cold Storage and Wastewater Facility

Ethiopia Opens Doors to Global Investors in Energy, ICT, Manufacturing, and Agribusiness

Three Giants Join Forces to Reshape Ethiopia’s Agricultural Future

Ethiopia Secures USD266.7M EU Funding for Agribusiness & Digital Skills