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Former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn, has underscored the need for African countries such as Zambia to promote digital, mechanised, and climate-smart agricultural practices, while encouraging continued investment in innovation and technology.
Dessalegn, who is also the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Board Chairperson, said such efforts would enhance competitiveness and attract young people to the sector.
He made the remarks during a high-level meeting with Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo, in Lusaka on Wednesday, which focused on strengthening collaboration between Zambia and AGRA to advance agricultural transformation, enhance productivity, and promote inclusive growth.
During the engagement, Dessalegn commended Zambia for its remarkable recovery in the agriculture sector, particularly noting the record-high production recorded during the 2024/2025 farming season — just a year after the historic drought that affected millions across Southern Africa.
He praised Zambia’s resilience and sound policy response, describing it as a clear demonstration of effective leadership, strategic planning, and strong institutional coordination.
“Zambia’s recovery offers valuable lessons for other African countries pursuing sustainable agricultural growth and food system resilience,” Dessalegn said.
Meanwhile, Minister Mtolo expressed appreciation to AGRA for its consistent partnership and contribution to Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He acknowledged AGRA’s role in building farmer capacity, promoting resilience, and supporting government programmes aimed at boosting productivity.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is fully geared to actualise the production targets set by the Republican President, Hakainde Hichilema, of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 1 million metric tonnes of soybeans, and 1 million metric tonnes of wheat by 2030,” Mtolo said.
He also highlighted the Presidential directive for all-year-round agricultural production through irrigation, aimed at enhancing productivity, stabilising food supply, and strengthening Zambia’s position as the regional food basket.
Mtolo emphasised that the vision would be driven by increased investment in mechanisation, irrigation infrastructure, and market linkages, complemented by private sector participation and strengthened partnerships with organisations such as AGRA.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Zambia’s agriculture sector remained resilient, inclusive, and sustainable — contributing to national food security, job creation, and economic growth.
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