Addis Ababa: Ethiopian agribusiness Kerchanshe Group and Brazil’s Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) have signed a cooperation agreement to expand joint work in agricultural technology, with coffee development and modern production systems as core priorities.
The signing took place in Addis Ababa on February 7, a day after the Ethiopia–Brazil Trade and Investment Forum held on February 6. The agreement is positioned as a practical step following the forum, which focused on strengthening trade and investment links between the two countries.
Work planned in West Guji coffee area
According to information shared at the event, the partnership will concentrate on coffee development in Debeka, located in Abaya Woreda in the West Guji Zone of Ethiopia’s Oromia region.
The two institutions will work together on systems aimed at improving and monitoring agricultural quality. The agreement also includes capacity-building initiatives for workers, along with other related areas of collaboration.
Government support and implementation focus
Ethiopia’s State Minister of Agriculture, Efa Muleta, said the cooperation is expected to contribute to the country’s economic growth. He added that the government would closely follow the implementation process and provide support intended to ensure the agreement produces measurable outcomes.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials and invited guests. Those present included Brazilian Ambassador to Ethiopia Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos and Embrapa President Silvia Maria Fonseca Silveira Massruhá.
Technology transfer and shared coffee expertise
Kerchanshe Group Chief Executive Officer Israel Degafa said Ethiopia and Brazil have comparable agricultural profiles. He stated that the new framework is meant to deepen cooperation, including the transfer of Brazil’s agricultural development experience, particularly in coffee-related technology and production methods.
Information presented during the ceremony also noted that Kerchanshe currently exports coffee seedlings to over 20 countries, highlighting Ethiopia’s wider participation in international coffee-related supply chains.
Embrapa’s role in tropical agriculture collaboration
Embrapa is a major research institution under Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. It is known for research, development and innovation work in areas such as plant genetic improvement, soil-plant systems, bio-inputs and climate-smart practices.
Through international cooperation, Embrapa has expanded partnerships across Africa and Latin America focused on knowledge exchange, technical training and technology transfer to address shared agricultural and ecological challenges. The cooperation model aligns with Ethiopia’s stated goals of modernising agriculture, improving productivity and strengthening food security, with coffee remaining a central export commodity.