Former Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Calls for Africa to Turn Livestock Wealth into Economic Opportunity

Addis Ababa, September 3, 2026 (FMC) — Former Ethiopian Prime Minister and Board Chair of AGRA, CGIAR, TradeMark Africa and the AFS Forum Partners Group, Hailemariam Dessalegn, has called for Africa to turn its vast livestock wealth into greater economic opportunity through increased investment, stronger market linkages and value addition.

Hailemariam made the call at a high-level side event convened by the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF) on the margins of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, focusing on “Transforming Africa’s Livestock Economy: Market Linkages, Value Addition and Inclusive Growth.”

The event brought together policymakers, experts, development partners and private-sector leaders to examine how Africa can unlock the economic potential of its livestock sector and position it as a stronger driver of investment, job creation and inclusive growth.

Hailemariam stressed that Africa possesses enormous livestock wealth but has yet to fully convert this resource into economic value. He called for greater investment across the sector and stronger market connections linking producers, processors, businesses and consumers.

He also emphasized the importance of value addition, regional trade and innovation in ensuring that a greater share of the economic value generated by Africa’s livestock resources is retained within the continent.

The discussions underscored the need for stronger partnerships and commercially oriented livestock value chains capable of creating jobs, expanding investment and strengthening food security while ensuring that the benefits of sectoral transformation reach communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock.

The side event formed part of AFSF 2026, which brought together more than 5,000 participants in Kigali from August 31 to September 4 to advance investment, partnerships and practical solutions for transforming Africa’s food systems.