Ethiopia Unveils First-Ever National Bioeconomy Strategy

Aiming to advance research and innovation towards building a robust bioeconomy, Ethiopia launched its first-ever Bioeconomy Strategy on Friday. The strategy outlines a transformative framework for the sustainable utilization of Ethiopia’s abundant biological resources across key sectors, including agriculture, health, energy, and industry.

The strategy defines bioeconomy as the knowledge-based use of biological resources to foster sustainable economic growth while addressing societal and environmental challenges.

The official launch event took place at the Elilly International Hotel in Addis Ababa, attended by Belete Mola (PhD), Minister of Innovation and Technology (MinT), Prof. Kassahun Tesfaye, Director General of the Ethiopian Bio & Emerging Technology Institute (BETin), representatives from UNIDO, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Minister Belete highlighted that the strategy marks a new phase of utilizing Ethiopia’s biological resources. He noted that over seventy countries have already designed similar strategies.

“The strategy plays a major role in creating job opportunities and boosting the green economy,” added Prof. Kassahun, underscoring the nation’s vast bioresource potential.

Laying down five strategic goals, the document outlines several key areas of focus. These include the development of biofertilizers and biochemicals, supporting food and nutrition security, and reducing reliance on fossil-based materials.

The strategy also aims to promote industries utilizing biobased industrial and agricultural residues, foster indigenous knowledge and bio-based traditional medicines, and support the development and commercialization of bio-based cosmetics and wellness products. Additionally, it prioritizes investments in startups and SMEs engaged in biotechnology.

The strategy identifies cassava, Enset, taro, bamboo, Anchote, yam, and animals such as fish, pork, and rabbit as underutilized food resources that the nation should harness.

The document also sets targets for utilizing digital bio-innovation technology, including data acquisition through smartphones, satellite imagery, IoT, and UAVs; big data analytics leveraging cloud platforms; and developing bio-apps for smartphones.

Addis Ababa University and BETin spearheaded the initiative to develop the strategy. According to Firew Tafesse (PhD), a senior researcher and one of the strategy’s developers, the strategy aims to harness untapped potential, encouraging both local and international companies to join the green economy initiative.

Firew added that the strategy could significantly reduce Ethiopia’s expenditure on imports such as fossil fuels, bioproducts, and raw materials for alcohol production.

An advisory committee will be established to oversee the strategy’s implementation, with approval and support from the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. The committee will collaborate closely with BETin.

“We are optimistic about achieving full implementation by 2030,” Firew noted.