Ethiopia to Officially Launch Phase II of Agricultural Commercialization Clusters Program Next Week
Addis Ababa, November 15, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia is preparing to officially launch the second phase of its Agricultural Commercialization Clusters (ACC) initiative, the Agricultural Commercialization through Climate-Smart Inclusive Innovations (ACCII) program, next Tuesday, November 18.
The launch will bring together government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders to highlight the country’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture, inclusive value chains, and rural transformation.
Ahead of the official launch, a media briefing was held today, where journalists from various media outlets were briefed by senior directors of the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI).
The directors provided an overview of the achievements of the first phase and outlined the goals and strategies of ACCII, emphasizing its ambitious scope: the program will reach 6.5 million farmers and 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) across nine regions, prioritize 18 strategic commodities, and drive agribusiness, innovation, and sustainability.
Notably, women will play a leading role, with 95% empowered to participate in decision-making.
The ACC program, launched in 2019/20, reached more than 4.4 million farmers, with over 2.5 million organized into Farmer Production Clusters (FPCs).
These clusters achieved yields averaging 32% above the national average, with some achieving 44% higher yields.
ATI’s data indicate that grain yields increased by 86% to 3.18 tons per hectare, while horticulture yields grew six-fold to 33.4 tons per hectare. Overall agricultural production volume rose by 56%, setting a strong foundation for ACCII.
It was indicated that the second phase builds on these gains, focusing on nine strategic components, including climate-resilient crop and livestock commercialization, digital agriculture, private-sector engagement, gender and youth empowerment, nutrition, and the humanitarian–development–peace (HDP) nexus.
Strategic objectives of ACCII include improving farmers’ livelihoods, enhancing food security and affordability, promoting import substitution, boosting exports and agro-processing, and creating dignified on‑ and off‑farm employment opportunities.
The ACCII program aims to strengthen value chains, support farmers, and promote sustainable rural development through climate-smart and inclusive approaches.
The second phase seeks to enhance agricultural productivity while creating economic opportunities for rural communities across Ethiopia.
The official launch next week will feature high-level discussions with ministers, development partners, and international organizations.
By Mesafint Brlie