Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia & AGRA Board Chair, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, delivers the keynote speech at the East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers in Arusha, Tanzania. In his remarks, he called upon the EAC to invest in research and development, foster innovation, and build resilience in food systems.
H.E. Hailemariam stated, “To meet the evolving needs of our agricultural sector, we must prioritize proven innovations and technologies that ensure the sustainability and resilience of our food systems. The untapped potential of our youth population is also an opportunity, as they can drive inclusive growth and transform the continent’s food system.”
“As leaders on the continent, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture, approaching the end of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) period 2030. The imperative is clear: we must prioritize adaptation in our food systems. With less than seven agricultural seasons remaining to meet the development aspirations of our people, this urgency demands our unwavering attention and concerted action,” he added.