Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (FMC) — What began as millions of seedlings planted across Ethiopia’s landscapes is now growing into a new chapter of agricultural transformation, with fruits nurtured under the Green Legacy Initiative making their way to global markets and creating new economic opportunities.
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is increasingly demonstrating that environmental restoration can serve as a foundation for economic growth, food security and regional cooperation. Beyond expanding forest coverage and strengthening climate resilience, the initiative is helping transform the country’s agricultural sector by promoting high-value crops with growing demand in international markets.
The initiative is also contributing to regional environmental cooperation in the Horn of Africa. As part of efforts to collectively address climate change challenges, Ethiopia has provided millions of seedlings to neighboring countries, particularly Djibouti, South Sudan and Kenya, supporting shared green development efforts.
Since its launch in 2011 Ethiopian Calendar (2019 Gregorian Calendar), the people-driven Green Legacy Initiative has resulted in the planting of more than 48 billion seedlings of various types. Among these, a significant portion consists of integrated agricultural varieties cultivated for food production and economic benefits.
Around 57 percent of the planted seedlings are varieties with food and economic value, while improved fruit varieties, including avocado, mango and papaya, account for approximately 20 to 30 percent of the seedlings prepared annually.
These improved fruit varieties are now entering their production phase, supplying domestic markets while creating export opportunities. Among them, avocado has emerged as one of the promising products positioning Ethiopia for a stronger presence in global agricultural markets.
For years, African countries such as Kenya, South Africa and Morocco have been recognized as leading avocado exporters. Ethiopia, which previously had no significant role in avocado exports, is now rapidly expanding production through improved avocado varieties and working toward securing a stronger position in the international market.
The Green Legacy Initiative has helped shift Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape toward a more diversified and value-oriented production system. Improved avocado, mango and papaya varieties are gaining growing demand in European and Middle Eastern markets, expanding Ethiopia’s export destinations and strengthening its agricultural competitiveness.
The growth of the fruit export sector is also creating new opportunities for smallholder farmers, enabling them to move beyond traditional crop production toward higher-value agricultural activities that generate increased income and foreign currency earnings.
The planting of fruit trees has brought benefits beyond economic returns. By reducing soil erosion and supporting integrated agricultural development, the initiative is helping farmers combine environmental protection with improved livelihoods.
The expansion of fruit production has also opened opportunities for supporting industries, including cold-chain transportation systems and packaging facilities needed to ensure quality exports and strengthen Ethiopia’s agricultural value chains.
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is becoming a practical demonstration of how green development, food security and economic growth can advance together. The journey from seedlings to global markets reflects the potential of sustainable agriculture to reshape livelihoods and create new opportunities.
With continued efforts to improve production volumes, enhance quality, modernize supply chains and explore new international markets, Ethiopia’s green harvest is set to further strengthen its place in the global agricultural marketplace.