In 2024, AGRA through its VALUE4HER initiative, alongside Women in Coffee Ethiopia and Precise Consult, the event marked a transformative moment for the future of women-led agribusiness in the country. Agriculture, the cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economy, contributes 80% of export revenues. The role of women is made clear in the forum that plays in the sector despite the significant hurdles they face when expanding their businesses. This partnership dates back to 2023.  

The VALUE4HER initiative came to light with a clear purpose: to dismantle barriers and empower women agripreneurs through capacity-building and improved access to finance. By tackling structural obstacles that hinder women’s growth, this initiative promises to revolutionize their role in agriculture, enabling them to seize new opportunities in high-value markets. In Ethiopia, where women perform 75% of farm labour and contribute up to 38% of high-value crop production, the potential impact of this programme cannot be overstated.

Opening the forum, Sara Yirga, President of Women in Coffee Ethiopia, delivered a compelling message that resonated deeply with the attendees: “Holding ourselves accountable to specific commitments in the economic empowerment of women in agribusiness is where we see true change coming from. After having various discussions, it’s time to call for results.” Her words set a powerful tone for the event, signalling that it was not just another discussion but a call to action.

Nicholas Obare, Country Programs Lead for AGRA Ethiopia, emphasized the far-reaching potential of targeted support for women: “When women are provided the right support at the right time, they will be at the forefront of transformative agri-food systems change, not just in Ethiopia, but across the African continent.” A vision for women’s leadership in agriculture perfectly matched the initiative’s long-term goals.