ATI Charts Strategic Priorities for Stronger Impact in 2019 EFY 

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) held an all-staff meeting on August 13, 2026 to align staff around priorities for the 2019 EFY. The meeting brought together staff from ATI headquarters and regional centers, both in person in Addis Ababa and virtually. It provided an opportunity to reflect on progress, address implementation challenges, and agree on key priorities for the new fiscal year. 

Opening the meeting, Dr. Mandefro Nigussie, ATI CEO, emphasized the significance of starting the fiscal year with a clear shared direction and a strong sense of teamwork. Dr. Mandefro underscored the importance of fostering a shared understanding of ATI’s strategic direction and ensuring that every staff member recognizes their role in advancing the Institute’s goals. He stressed the need for collective ownership, sustained momentum, and effective teamwork to successfully implement ATI’s ambitious plans for the 2019 EFY. 

Mr Berhanu Benti, Director of PMER, presented ATI’s overall 2018 EFY performance report, along with the major targets, budget plan and priority areas for 2019 EFY. Prof. Firew Tegegne, ATI’s Deputy CEO, delivered a presentation titled “Driving Impact: Strategic Projects Requiring Greater Focus in 2019 EFY.” He emphasized the need to strengthen the implementation of strategic projects  such as Farmers Agribusiness Companies (ABCs) and ensure that ATI’s interventions deliver measurable, sustainable and lasting impact. 

Operations Senior Director, Mr. Dawit Philipos, emphasized the importance of professionalism, workplace discipline and adherence to institutional policies and procedures. He also underscored the need for employees to respect working hours and ensure the proper and responsible use of office equipment and other institutional resources. 

Communications Director Dr. Bruktawit Ejigu. in her brief presentation, also highlighted that media relations and external communications should be conducted in line with ATI’s communications protocol and coordinated through the Communications team. Regarding social media presence, Dr Bruktawit stressed, all staff are expected to exercise professionalism and utmost civility in their online activities. Staff should be conscious of the content they post, share or engage with and ensure that their social media activities do not compromise the reputation, credibility or image of the Institute.  

The meeting identified several areas requiring increased attention, including the establishment of ABCs, improved budget utilization, stronger focus on impact-driven and transformative interventions, and regular program and project performance reviews to support continuous improvement. Participants also emphasized the need to strengthen procurement processes from the planning and budgeting stages through the preparation of terms of reference, specifications and designs, while improving data quality and ensuring institutional compliance. 

Senior directors from ATI’s regional centers also presented updates on the progress and achievements of their respective centers. The presentations provided an opportunity to share implementation experiences and highlight areas requiring further attention. 

During a question-and-answer session, staff members raised questions, concerns and suggestions on the issues presented. The Senior Management Team and the respective presenters responded to the issues raised and provided further clarification. 

Closing the meeting, Dr. Mandefro called on staff to work as one team and strengthen their collective efforts to deliver on ATI’s strategic priorities. He urged employees to remain focused, disciplined and results-oriented in translating the Institute’s ambitious plans into tangible impact. 

He wished all staff a productive, peaceful and successful 2019 EFY, marked by renewed energy, stronger performance and meaningful results.