Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – June 18, 2026

Solar Village Ethiopia, in partnership with Oxfam and P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030), successfully organized a high-level national workshop entitled “The Role and Impact of Private Sector and Partnership Models on Climate-Smart Agriculture in Ethiopia” at Capital Hotel & Spa, Addis Ababa.

The event brought together senior government officials, development partners, financial institutions, private sector representatives, researchers, agricultural experts, entrepreneurs, and farmer groups to explore innovative approaches for accelerating climate-smart agriculture and strengthening sustainable food systems across Ethiopia.

The workshop was officially opened by H.E. Dr. Desalegn Teshale, State Minister of Agriculture, who emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, development partners, and local communities to advance agricultural transformation. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the need for innovative and scalable solutions that enhance productivity, improve resilience to climate change, and contribute to Ethiopia’s food security and economic development goals.

Following the official opening, Mr. Lebeza Alemu, Founder and Managing Director of Solar Village Ethiopia, welcomed participants and shared the organization’s experience in promoting climate-smart agricultural solutions through renewable energy, entrepreneurship development, and strategic partnerships. He highlighted the impact of Solar Village Ethiopia’s initiatives in supporting farmers, cooperatives, and small enterprises through innovative technologies and inclusive business models.

The workshop’s keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Yodit Mekuria, Country Director of Oxfam GB Ethiopia, who underscored the importance of inclusive development approaches that empower local communities and place smallholder farmers at the center of sustainable transformation. She emphasized that meaningful progress is achieved when partnerships, financing mechanisms, and innovation ecosystems are intentionally designed to reach those closest to the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on the role of private sector engagement, innovative financing mechanisms, climate-smart technologies, and partnership models in driving sustainable agricultural development. Experts and practitioners shared experiences and lessons learned from successful initiatives that are improving livelihoods, enhancing resilience, and creating new economic opportunities for rural and urban farming communities.

A recurring theme throughout the discussions was that innovation extends beyond technology. Participants emphasized that sustainable transformation requires trust, collaboration, and systems that empower communities to become active drivers of change. Several speakers highlighted the importance of investing in smallholder farmers, strengthening local entrepreneurship, and creating enabling environments that allow innovative solutions to flourish and scale.

Alongside the workshop, Solar Village Ethiopia hosted a vibrant exhibition showcasing products, technologies, and enterprises supported through its development initiatives. The exhibition featured climate-smart agricultural technologies, solar-powered irrigation systems, organic fertilizer and vermicompost products, water management solutions, and other green business innovations developed by entrepreneurs, farmer groups, cooperatives, and small and medium enterprises supported through Solar Village Ethiopia projects.

The exhibition provided participants with a unique opportunity to engage directly with innovators and project beneficiaries, observe practical solutions in action, and explore opportunities for collaboration, investment, and market linkages. Senior government officials, development partners, financial institutions, and private sector representatives toured the exhibition and interacted with entrepreneurs whose businesses are contributing to improved livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and resilient food systems.

The event also highlighted the achievements of the “Resilient & Green-Based Business for Inclusive Access to Healthy Diets” initiative and demonstrated how strategic partnerships between the public sector, private sector, development partners, and local communities can generate lasting impact. Through these collaborative efforts, innovative climate-smart solutions are being scaled while creating pathways for inclusive and locally driven economic growth.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks from H.E. Usman Surur, Head of the Central Ethiopia Regional Agriculture Bureau and Vice President of the Central Ethiopia Regional State, who commended the commitment of all stakeholders working to promote climate-smart agriculture and sustainable development. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration and investment in innovative solutions that strengthen agricultural resilience, improve food security, and create opportunities for future generations.

The successful workshop and exhibition demonstrated the transformative potential of partnership-driven approaches in addressing some of Ethiopia’s most pressing agricultural and environmental challenges. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering meaningful dialogue, the event created a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and the development of new partnerships that will contribute to a greener, more resilient, and food-secure future.

Solar Village Ethiopia extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, exhibitors, participants, partners, and stakeholders whose contributions made the event a success. Together with Oxfam and P4G, Solar Village Ethiopia remains committed to advancing innovative, farmer-centered solutions that empower communities, strengthen livelihoods, and drive sustainable development across Ethiopia.