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National Agribusiness Conference Focuses on Key Supplies By : - Mussie Efriem A thriving and adaptable agricultural sector is the bedrock of lasting national food security. When this vital sector embraces innovation and responds effectively to evolving needs, it provides the foundation for a stable food supply. The dynamism and resourcefulness inherent in small business initiatives further vitalize this foundation. These smaller enterprises, deeply embedded within communities, play a crucial role in production, processing, distribution, and creating vital linkages within the broader food system. Their agility and local knowledge can unlock efficiencies and reach underserved markets, significantly contributing to food accessibility and affordability. Furthermore, strategically leveraging value addition within agricultural production offers a pathway to amplify these positive impacts. Value addition transforms raw agricultural commodities into higher-value products through processing, packaging, branding, and other enhancements. This increases economic returns for farmers and small businesses, fostering income generation and rural development, and contributes to a more diverse and resilient food system. Value addition strengthens the entire food chain by creating new markets, reducing post-harvest losses, and offering consumers a wider array of nutritious and convenient food options. Consequently, prioritizing a robust agricultural sector, nurturing small business ingenuity, and actively promoting value-adding activities are paramount for fostering sustainable economic growth, improving livelihoods, and ensuring a secure and accessible national food supply. The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, convened a national agribusiness conference centered on selected agricultural commodities. This pivotal one-day event occurred on April 24, 2025, at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW) Conference Hall. Demonstrating the significance of the theme, “Enhancing Agribusiness for Sustainable Food Systems,” the conference saw broad participation from government ministers, UN and FAO officials, the diplomatic corps, and representatives from various Eritrean ministries, emphasizing the cross-sectoral collaboration essential for strengthening agribusiness and ensuring a resilient food future for Eritrea. Reading Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture’s speech to the convenes, Mr. Tekleab Misghena highlighted that this National Agribusiness Conference on Selected Commodities was the culmination of a series of events and activities initiated in mid-2022 under the National Investment Forum for the Handin- Hand Initiative, with FAO support. He emphasized that the Hand-in-Hand Initiative represents a crucial milestone in the collective effort to foster equitable and sustainable agricultural development for Eritrea and beyond, expressing appreciation for the FAO’s support at all levels. Ms. Nahla Valji, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, also conveyed gratitude to the Government of the State of Eritrea for its partnership with the UN and acknowledged the progress made within the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). She further emphasized the synergy and strength of the collaboration between the UN and Eritrean Ministries, demonstrated by their joint achievements. Dr. Woldai Futur, Head of the Eritrean Investment Center, underscored that the selected agricultural commodities provide a strong foundation for targeted and efficient investments within their respective subsectors. He added that the resulting outcomes would also be valuable for facilitating ongoing extension work and promoting targeted agribusiness investments for both smallholders and large enterprises. The conference featured diverse informational content, including multiple presentations from participants actively engaged in the Eritrean agribusiness sector, sharing their expertise, experiences, and insights related to the selected agricultural commodities. A significant element was the inclusion of global perspectives on the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, conveyed through a recorded message from Mr. Máximo Torero Cullen, the Chief Economist of the FAO. His message provided a broader understanding of the initiative’s global goals, strategies, and successes, offering valuable context for Eritrea’s efforts. The conference also included a presentation on “Hand-in- Hand Initiative: Experiences and Lessons from Zambia,” delivered by Kazuyuki Fujiwara, the Regional Partnerships Officer at the FAO, aiming to provide comparative insights and potentially applicable strategies for Eritrea’s agricultural development. Furthermore, Dr. Yonas Woldu, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) Hand-in-Hand Initiative Focal Person, presented a specific country update on the initiative in Eritrea, titled “Hand-in-Hand Initiative in Eritrea: process and results.” Dr. Yonas’s presentation detailed the initiative’s implementation within Eritrea, outlining processes, specific projects, activities, and tangible results achieved. A collection of research papers focused on assessing the potential of seven key commodities: potato, banana, anchovy, cactus, pepper, poultry, and honey. The core objective was to evaluate Eritrea’s potential regarding these products by examining resource availability, climate suitability, infrastructure, and market demand (domestic and export). Detailed value chain analyses for each commodity mapped the entire journey from input supply and production through processing, distribution, and consumption, identifying key actors, costs, value addition at each stage, critical bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. Building on this, the research likely formulated potential business plans outlining operational, marketing, and financial strategies, anticipating and addressing potential hurdles. This research aimed to provide a comprehensive strategic overview to inform policymakers, investors, and stakeholders, fostering targeted development, enhancing competitiveness, and overcoming obstacles within these vital agricultural and food value chains. The noon session featured observing a marketplace conveniently located within the NCEW premises, showcasing goods directly from producers. A key highlight of the afternoon session was a moderated panel discussion on “Catalyzing Inclusive Economic Growth through Strategic Investment in the Agriculture Sector in Eritrea,” where experts likely delved into strategies for leveraging agricultural investments for widespread economic benefits. The conference concluded with a summary of key highlights and takeaways, followed by final remarks from the conference rapporteurs and the Public Relations Department (PRD) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), likely focusing on the implications and next steps for Eritrea’s agriculture sector.