H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Board Chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), held a high-level meeting today, November 5, 2025, in Lusaka, Zambia, with Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Zambia, to explore joint efforts aimed at accelerating agricultural transformation and resilience in Zambia.
Hon. Phiri warmly welcomed H.E. Hailemariam, commending His Excellency’s continental leadership in advancing Africa’s agricultural agenda. “We are very happy to have you on our side, Your Excellency,” Hon. Phiri said. “Africa is witnessing a wave of agricultural transformation that you are leading, and Zambia is eager to be part of this momentum.”
The Minister highlighted that Zambia is embarking on a comprehensive agricultural transformation strategy focusing on mechanization, irrigation expansion, and market development. He emphasized the country’s determination to modernize and digitalize the agricultural sector while leveraging strategic trade routes such as the Lobito and Tazara corridors to enhance market access.
Reflecting on the severe drought experienced last year—the country’s worst in over four decades—Hon. Phiri noted that more than 11 million Zambians were affected, and over half of the nation’s agricultural productivity was lost, with major hydropower dams running dry. “This crisis has pushed us to rethink how we do agriculture,” he said, stressing the need for greater private sector engagement and climate-smart solutions to ensure food and energy security.
H.E. Hailemariam commended Zambia’s efforts to revitalize its agricultural sector amid climate challenges, emphasizing the need to make agriculture more attractive to youth and investors. He also encouraged the country to adopt innovative, science-driven solutions — including biotechnology — to maximize productivity and strengthen resilience against drought and disease.
“Climate change is real and here to stay, and Zambia must equip its farmers with every tool available,” he remarked, underscoring that with the right biosafety regulations, biotechnology can become a true catalyst for agricultural transformation.
H.E. further highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in advancing seed systems, mechanization, and policy innovation to drive sustainable growth.
Hon. Phiri welcomed the insights and expressed readiness to work closely with seed companies and other stakeholders to enhance Zambia’s agricultural productivity and resilience.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to advancing Zambia’s food systems transformation through innovation, partnership, and sound policy reform.
