In a significant step toward modernization, Ethiopia has launched its Digital Agriculture Roadmap (DAR), designed to leverage digital technology to transform the nation’s agricultural sector. Developed in collaboration with government agencies, experts, and donor organizations, DAR marks a strategic shift in how agriculture will be managed and developed in the coming years.
The roadmap adopts a phased approach to ensure systematic and impactful change:
- Phase One (2025-2029): This initial phase focuses on building the foundational digital infrastructure necessary for widespread agricultural transformation. Efforts will include enhancing farmers’ access to real-time data, integrating modern digital tools, and addressing persistent challenges such as inefficient supply chains and limited market access.
- Phase Two (2030-2032): The second phase aims to diversify and scale the digital ecosystem across Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. By expanding digital services and fostering innovation, this phase will support the adoption of advanced technologies like precision farming, AI-driven analytics, and digital marketplaces.
The vision of the DAR is to create a digitally advanced agricultural sector where farmers and pastoralists can benefit from enhanced market linkages, improved productivity, and better access to resources. Through this initiative, Ethiopia aims to boost sustainability, food security, and economic resilience in rural communities.
Ethiopia’s commitment to digital transformation is already visible in various sectors. The successful rollout of the Fayda Digital ID, which has seen over 11 million registrations, reflects the government’s dedication to integrating technology into everyday life. Similarly, partnerships between Ethio Telecom and global tech giants like Meta highlight ongoing efforts to improve digital inclusion and provide accessible online services to citizens. These initiatives underscore Ethiopia’s broader digital strategy, emphasizing infrastructure development, economic growth, and service enhancement.
The government, through the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), has pledged unwavering support for the DAR, recognizing it as a cornerstone for a digitally enabled agricultural economy. This transformation is expected to improve the livelihoods of farmers, provide innovative solutions to long-standing agricultural challenges, and position Ethiopia as a leader in digital agricultural innovation across Africa.
As Ethiopia moves forward with its Digital Agriculture Roadmap, it aims to harness the power of technology to reshape the agricultural landscape, ensuring that modern tools, real-time data, and efficient market systems are within reach for every farmer and pastoralist. This initiative is set to play a critical role in driving national growth, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable development in the years ahead.
