Addis Ababa, October 9, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia is seeking to harness its substantial water resources to accelerate agricultural transformation and expand export production, with improved irrigation, technological advancement and solar energy identified as key priorities by the Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands.
Speaking to Fana Media Corporation following his appointment, Sultan Weli (PhD) said developing irrigation is essential to strengthening agriculture, a pillar of Ethiopia’s economy, noting that dependence on rainfall alone cannot deliver the results the country needs.
Ethiopia has substantial water resources distributed across 12 river basins, including nine with high levels of precipitation. The minister stressed that realizing the economic potential of this resource requires wider and more effective use of technology to improve water development and utilization.
He noted that geographical conditions make many surface and groundwater resources difficult to access, reinforcing the need for technological solutions that can support their effective development.
The minister also highlighted the potential of solar energy to support water utilization, boost agricultural exports and advance the transformation of Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.
Agriculture, water and energy, he emphasized, are closely interconnected foundations of development. Coordinated progress across these areas is therefore essential to strengthening agricultural production and converting the country’s natural resources into greater economic value.