Ethiopia Unveils Investment Blueprint to Transform Livestock and Fisheries

Ethiopia is poised to revolutionize its livestock and fisheries sectors with the launch of a new investment handbook that outlines vast opportunities across the value chain. The publication lays out a strategic roadmap aimed at unlocking the immense potential of the country’s livestock sector, which is home to Africa’s largest animal population—more than 70 million cattle, 52.5 million goats, 43 million sheep, and over 8 million camels—while also boosting aquaculture development.

Source: ILRI

Bold targets include producing 28.4 billion litres of milk, 1.7 million tonnes of meat, and 260,000 tonnes of fish annually within the next decade. These goals are aligned with Ethiopia’s broader agricultural transformation plan, which seeks to draw in private investors to build processing plants, strengthen cold chains, and enhance market linkages in both rural and urban areas.

Despite its natural endowments and geographic proximity to key international markets, Ethiopia’s progress in livestock and fisheries has been hampered by poor infrastructure, lack of technology, and limited access to financing. The new handbook responds to these challenges by presenting clear policy frameworks, tax incentives, investment guidelines, and credit opportunities through national financial institutions.

Sofia Kassa, State Minister for Agriculture, emphasized that the handbook is a practical tool for converting policy ambitions into real economic gains. It offers detailed information on investment requirements, legal frameworks, and sector-specific opportunities that align with the country's development priorities.

Particularly promising is the push to expand commercial animal feed production. Ethiopia faces a severe shortage of high-quality feed, and the guide urges private investment in mechanized forage production and supply chain development to meet rising livestock demands.

The handbook is also intended to be a living document, one that evolves alongside new technologies, innovations, and policy shifts. It aims to serve as a comprehensive reference for local and international investors looking to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth in Ethiopia’s livestock and fisheries industries.

With the right mix of investment, coordination, and policy follow-through, this new initiative could mark a turning point for Ethiopia—ushering in an era where livestock and fisheries become pillars of food security, job creation, and economic resilience.