African Farming Industries has committed USD 2 million to cultivate strawberries and saffron in Ethiopia's Bole-Limi Industrial Park Special Economic Zone. The company will use 5,000 square meters of land and a 3,000-square-meter shed to initiate operations.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation to formalize this investment. Fiseha Yitegesu (PhD), CEO of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation, and Nasser Mahamat, CEO of African Farming Industries, officiated the signing. Fiseha Yitegesu (PhD) assured support for the project's implementation.
Nasser Mahamat emphasized the use of advanced agricultural methods, including vertical farming, to boost export-oriented crop production. Drawing on its experience in Chad, African Farming Industries plans to apply its expertise to Ethiopia's agricultural landscape.
The Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation notes that this project aligns with Ethiopia's strategy to become a key exporter of strawberries and saffron. The initiative is also anticipated to generate employment and promote technological transfer within the local agricultural sector.
The agreement underscores the adoption of modern farming techniques, such as hydroponics and vertical farming, which facilitate crop production without relying on traditional soil methods.
Source: 2merkato