Cluster Support for the Agricultural and Food Industries in Ethiopia
What:
Training and job creation in the agricultural sector.
Service:
Where:
Addis Abeba, Shasemene, Bahir Dar, Dessie, Kombolcha
When
2019
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In 2019, GIZ detected Africa’s developmental main challenge as the “the creation of sufficient prospects for employment and earnings.” Back then, GIZ estimated that the African population was set to grow to 2.5 billion by 2050 mentioning that: “around 20 million new jobs would be required,” every year, in order to offer the youth a future prospect.”
How to face this tremendous challenge? For the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), it meant launching the Special Initiative on Training and Job Creation, designed to implement growth and contribute to creating new jobs.
The main objective of this programme was to offer training and job creation to achieve its goals in Germany and its partner countries.
For us, at ProFound, it meant offering cluster support for the agricultural and food industries, in Ethiopia. We were set to support Ethiopian government in structurally transforming its economy by implementing techniques and strategies that would eventually increase the productivity in the agricultural sector.
What did we do?
Based on a pre-selection process GIZ had already executed, ProFound selected 25 SMEs’ to develop specific business and linkages plans.
For us it is always inspiring to work with SMEs, because it’s the most effective way to spread and leave knowledge that can later support growth and improvement in the country.
product development advisory
Certification Advisory
Supply Chain Legal Requirements
Intercultural Business Communication Trainings
Supply Chain Legal Requirements
Identification of Potential Cooperation Partners and Businesses
B2B, Matchmaking activities and “Meet the buyer” events
Trade Fair Trainings & Participation
Expected Results
The project focused on three main groups:
- Unemployed and underemployed individuals, placing particular emphasis on women.
- Employees working for local and Ethiopian-based European and African agri-food companies.
- Directors and managers of MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises).
This approach aimed to address their unique needs and create meaningful impact within these communities.
New Jobs
Many businessmen and women recognise the opportunities in this sector. ProFound supports these entrepreneurs to develop their businesses by providing essential services: market analysis, analyses of capacities and strategic planning.
Workers
ProFound developed sustainable value chains for organic honey with seven Ethiopian entrepreneurs who are processing and marketing honey.
Companies
Many businessmen and women recognise the opportunities in this sector. ProFound supports these entrepreneurs to develop their businesses by providing essential services: market analysis, analyses of capacities and strategic planning.