Project

Evidence-based agribusiness support in Ethiopia

In collaboration with Dutch and Ethiopian partners, CDI contributes to the creation of the Agribusiness Support Facility, which seeks to support he Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations. Through this Agribusiness Support Facility, the agribusiness sector in Ethiopia will be strengthened. The objectives include providing information and services, undertaking research and settling disputes.

Official project title: Agribusiness Support Facility (ABSF) for the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA)

Agribusiness Support Facility

The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA) is the oldest, largest and strongest Chamber in Ethiopia representing 60 to 70 % of Ethiopian businesses. It strives to create an environment in which businesses in Addis Ababa and elsewhere in Ethiopia can develop and grow at a much faster pace.

The rationale for setting up an Agribusiness Support Facility (ABSF) within the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce arises from the need for hands-on business support services that address some major challenges. In addition, the ABSF has the task to promote agribusiness opportunities in Ethiopia to investors foremost from the Netherlands but also in the EU.

Efficient online information portal

It has become clear that there is a strong need for organised, coherent information and network for both for start-ups as well as companies in more mature states. Therefore, an efficient online information portal and an electronic platform for information exchange will be set up. The necessary capacities will be developed  for sustaining the services at a high level.

The goal of ABSF is threefold:
  1. Increased foreign direct investment in Ethiopia’s agribusiness sector
  2. Increased  number of new domestic companies in the agribusiness sector
  3. Increased trade between Ethiopia and high-value markets

Key components

  • Hands-on support to new and existing Ethiopian and foreign entrepreneurs/investors both in the investment preparation and implementation phases;
  • Support to increase the entrepreneurial and technical capacity of young Ethiopian entrepreneurs and graduates;
  • Specific hands-on sector support activities in terms of business-to-business linkage, networking and business opportunities and market information;
  • Specific hurdles in the business climate mitigated through lobby and advocacy activities undertaken in an evidence-based manner;
  • Support to Private Sector Associations to undertake sector-wide projects such as Code of Conduct development, market assessments, targeted training of members on specific issues.