In 2025, the Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) team at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Addis Ababa played an active role in supporting food security, sustainable agriculture, and agri-food trade between Ethiopia and the Netherlands. Working closely with Ethiopian government, Dutch partners, and the private sector, the team focused on strengthening market access, improving food safety, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and fostering innovation across key value chains. The highlights below reflect some of the main areas of engagement during the year.
Advancing agrologistics and cold chain development
Agrologistics has been central to the team’s work, with the team now leading this agenda in the Embassy, in close collaboration with the Economic Department and the Food and Nutrition Security teams. A WUR-led study on cool system development was commissioned and validated, guiding the positioning and use of Cool Port Addis (CPA). With both governments’ contributions secured for CPA, the team coordinated agrologistics activities, supported a PADEO mission with around 50 participants, and worked on initiating projects financed through the EU and DDE (under PADEO) by aligning partners and coordinating closely with stakeholders.
Promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation
A key priority in 2025 was strengthening cooperation between Ethiopia and the Netherlands on biodiversity conservation and climate-resilient food systems. With support from a consultant, the LAN team developed a strategic framework that aligns Dutch-supported initiatives with Ethiopia’s national agri-biodiversity priorities. This joint approach provides a clear basis for coordinated action on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation.
In line with the NL–ET agri-biodiversity strategy, the team advanced biodiversity efforts through concrete initiatives. As one example, it supported the successful implementation of a Church Forest reforestation project in the Amhara region with ORDA, restoring around 3 hectares through land compensation and planting of native species with RVO support. In parallel, the team initiated biodiversity mainstreaming efforts with the support of the Climate Energy Response Facility (CERF) in collaboration with the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI), to engage key ministries and organizations to embed biodiversity considerations into Agricultural Policies and initiatives.
Food safety, standards, and export compliance
The LAN team continued to support Ethiopia’s compliance with EU food safety and phytosanitary standards, particularly in the horticulture sector. Efforts included supporting the implementation of a systems approach to manage False Codling Moth (FCM) in rose exports, helping Ethiopian flowers maintain access to the European market.
In addition, the team facilitated the introduction of ePhyto, a digital system for exchanging phytosanitary certificates, improving transparency and trade efficiency. Through capacity building with Ethiopian authorities and engagement with the private sector, as well as engagement with the EU Twinning program and SNV, the LAN team also contributed to improved food safety, quality, and standards in the horticulture and dairy sectors.
Empowering Ethiopia’s Horticulture and livestock sector
The LAN team was visible in major sector events in 2025. At HortiFlora, organized with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), the exhibition reached a record scale with 140 exhibitors and strong international participation. Over 30 Dutch companies showcased innovative technologies and solutions, strengthening Ethiopia’s position as a leading horticulture and floriculture hub. The team also facilitated the participation of Dutch experts from organizations such as NVWA, KCB, Flying Swans, and Union Fleurs, who shared expertise on EU regulations, plant protection, and agrologistics.
In the livestock sector, the LAN team organized Dutch pavilions at the ALEC 2025, featuring more than 15 Dutch companies active in dairy, poultry, aquaculture, bioenergy, and sustainable livestock solutions. These platforms supported business matchmaking and the uptake of Dutch expertise in Ethiopia’s livestock industry.
Innovative solutions to tackle food loss and waste
The team is taking proactive steps to address the pressing issue of food loss and waste (FLW) in Ethiopia, where agriculture is a cornerstone of both livelihoods and economic development. By connecting Dutch innovators with Ethiopian partners, the LAN team is moving forward innovative solutions to reduce FLW and transform agricultural byproducts into valuable resources.
The LAN team connected Dutch innovators with Ethiopian partners to pilot circular solutions that turn agricultural by-products into valuable resources. In collaboration with Spaak Circular Solutions and the TRAIDE Foundation, pilot activities in the Sidama region explored the use of avocado pits and coffee by-products to produce oils, animal feed, and biochar. These byproducts, often discarded or underutilized, present a unique opportunity to reduce environmental impact, boost farmer income, and support a circular bioeconomy.
Supporting Dutch agribusiness in Ethiopia
Despite a challenging situations, the LAN team remained a key point of contact for Dutch companies active in Ethiopia. The team supported businesses by addressing regulatory issues, facilitating dialogue with government institutions, and helping navigate trade and investment challenges. By connecting Dutch stakeholders with Ethiopian partners in the horticulture, dairy, and poultry sectors, the team promoted investment, knowledge exchange, and sustainable agri-business.
The team, together with the Economic Department, secured funding to organize a Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) session with Ethiopian Netherlands Business Association (ENLBA), attended by over 200 participants. The event supported Dutch companies in Ethiopia by providing guidance, sharing best practices, and highlighting opportunities to strengthen their RBC efforts. Follow-up support will be offered to selected companies to further enhance their practices and impact.
Looking ahead
In 2025, the LAN team contributed across a broad range of initiatives, in close coordination with development cooperation programs and public and private partners. Looking ahead to 2026, as Ethiopia and the Netherlands celebrate 100 years of trade relations, the team is organizing a trade mission from the Netherlands to showcase the opportunities and potential for doing business in Ethiopia, with a particular focus on horticulture and agrologistics.
The LAN team remains committed to strengthening Ethiopia’s agri-food sector through partnerships, policy engagement, and technical support. By fostering innovation and sustainability, the team will continue to support resilient food systems and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between Ethiopia and the Netherlands.
More information
You can reach out to the LAN team in Addis for more information or questions about these key areas via ADD-LVVN@minbuza.nl.