Ethiopia and KOICA to strengthen cooperation with agreements worth $16 million to enhance agricultural product competitiveness and nutrition projects

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia- The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has entered into two new agreements with the Ethiopian government that focus on agricultural product competitiveness and nutrition for vulnerable populations. These initiatives highlight the strong development partnership between the Republic of South Korea and Ethiopia.

KOICA and the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Ethiopian national quality management capacity enhancement project. The agreement, signed by Kassahun Gofe (PhD), MoTRI Minister, and Han Deog Cho, KOICA Ethiopia Office Country Director, aims to improve the competitiveness of Ethiopia’s agricultural and processed products through upgraded national quality management systems.

The project, running from 2024 to 2028, focuses on enhancing testing, inspection, and calibration capacities, strengthening quality control regulation, and enhancing Ethiopia’s external trade reputation. KOICA has committed $10 million towards the project, which will be implemented in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia will also allocate resources to ensure the project’s sustainability.

Separately, KOICA signed another MoU with the Ministry of Health (MoH) for the “Sustainable Diversified Diets for Improved Nutrition” project. This project targets Seqota Declaration regions and aims to combat malnutrition by benefiting stunted children aged 6-23 months, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

KOICA has vowed $ 6 million in grant funding over three years to improve the availability and accessibility of nutrient-dense foods. Promote social and behavioral changes, reinforcing nutrition-focused practices through household and community-based livestock and vegetable cultivation.

The signed MoUs reflect the commitment of KOICA to address Ethiopia’s focus areas like agricultural product competitiveness, trade integration, and addressing nutrition challenges. These combined efforts are expected to foster long-term economic growth, improve health, and strengthen ties between the two nations.