Addis Ababa, March 28, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has marked the inauguration of the Tendaho Irrigation Development Project in the Afar Region, positioning it as a major step forward in the country’s drive toward food sovereignty and economic resilience.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh said the project reflects a broader national commitment to reducing dependence and strengthening domestic production through the effective use of natural resources.
After inaugurating the project today, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the role of the Afar people in safeguarding Ethiopia’s territorial integrity over generations, noting that their contribution is now expanding beyond security to include transforming the land and supporting the country’s economic foundation.
The Tendaho Irrigation Development Project, inaugurated today, was described as a key milestone in advancing food security, Mr. Temesgen said in a social media post.
The project, centered on a long-delayed dam, has now been restored and repurposed after years of remaining incomplete, with its potential untapped and associated risks unresolved.
According to the Deputy PM, the revival of the project demonstrates the impact of decisive action and sustained commitment, turning what was once a stalled undertaking into a functional pillar of development.
He emphasized that achieving genuine sovereignty requires building economic independence through local production and capacity, particularly in ensuring food security. In this regard, irrigation development plays a central role by reducing reliance on unpredictable rainfall and enabling consistent agricultural output.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Ethiopia’s lowland areas, water resources, and expanding irrigation infrastructure provide a strong foundation for this effort, alongside the contribution of farmers, pastoralists, and investors.
He underscored that the continued development of irrigation systems is critical to unlocking the potential of lowland regions, modernizing development corridors, and improving livelihoods.
Mr. Temesgen further stressed that the country’s pursuit of food sovereignty is both an economic priority and a fundamental requirement for ensuring dignity and long-term national stability.
The government, he added, is advancing efforts to strengthen integrated development by linking key stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, with the aim of building a resilient and self-sustaining economy.