ATI, Somali Regional State Establish Agricultural Transformation Council

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), in partnership with the Somali Regional State Bureau of Agriculture, officially launched the Somali Agricultural Transformation Council on August 6, 2026, in Jigjiga, to strengthen agricultural governance and accelerate the region’s agricultural transformation agenda.

The high-level event brought together senior federal and regional officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and community leaders. Participants endorsed the council’s mission, mandate and governance structure, during the forum.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Firew Tegegne, ATI Deputy Director General, reaffirmed ATI’s commitment to supporting the region by expanding its  presence and implementing high-impact initiatives. He highlighted the youth dignified employment programme supported by the mastercard foundation, where over 80% of beneficiaries are women, and the promising progress of the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus initiative supported by DANIDA.

H.E. Ibrahim Ousman, Vice President of the Somali Regional State, commended ATI’s continued partnership, from developing the Regional Agricultural Transformation Roadmap to establishing the council, expressing confidence that it will unlock the region’s agricultural potential and strengthen food security.

The event concluded with the official launch of the council following presentations and stakeholder discussions.

The establishment of the council is expected to strengthen coordination among government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and farming communities, providing a platform to accelerate agricultural modernization, improve food security, create employment opportunities, and support sustainable economic transformation across Ethiopia’s Somali Region.