Agreement follows Ethiopia–Brazil trade forum in Addis Ababa
Ethiopian company Kerchanshe Group and Brazil’s Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) have signed a cooperation agreement to expand collaboration in agricultural technology, placing coffee development and modern production systems at the centre of the partnership.
The signing took place in Addis Ababa on February 7, 2026, a day after the Ethiopia–Brazil Trade and Investment Forum held on February 6. The timing linked the deal to broader efforts to deepen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Project focus in Oromia’s West Guji zone
According to information shared at the event, the partnership will concentrate on coffee development in Debeka, located in Abaya Woreda of the West Guji Zone in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.
The agreement sets out joint work areas that include strengthening agricultural quality enhancement and control systems and building the skills of workers through capacity-building initiatives. Other related cooperation areas are also included under the framework.
Officials and representatives attend signing
The agreement was signed in the presence of senior government officials and invited guests. Attendees included Brazil’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos, and Embrapa President Silvia Maria Fonseca Silveira Massruhá.
At the ceremony, State Minister of Agriculture Efa Muleta said the cooperation is expected to contribute to Ethiopia’s economic growth. He added that the government will closely follow implementation and provide support aimed at ensuring the agreement produces measurable outcomes.
Technology transfer and training highlighted
Kerchanshe Group Chief Executive Officer Israel Degafa said Ethiopia and Brazil have similarities in the agricultural sector. He stated that the framework is designed to raise cooperation between the two countries, particularly by drawing on Brazil’s agricultural development experience in coffee and related technology transfer.
Kerchanshe’s role in the global coffee sector was also referenced at the event, with information indicating the company exports coffee seedlings to more than 20 countries.
Embrapa’s research portfolio and international partnerships
Embrapa is a research institution under Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. The organisation is known for research, development and innovation in tropical agriculture, including plant genetic improvement, soil–plant systems, bio-inputs and climate-smart practices.
Through its international cooperation work, Embrapa has expanded partnerships across Africa and Latin America, focusing on knowledge exchange, technical training and technology transfer aimed at addressing shared agricultural and ecological challenges.
The cooperation agreement with Kerchanshe aligns with Ethiopia’s push to modernise agriculture, improve productivity and strengthen food security, with coffee positioned as a key export commodity in the collaboration.