Addis Ababa, 19 December 2025 – Ethiopia is taking significant steps to build a stronger food system that engages its youth. The recent workshop, “Building the Next Generation of Ethiopia’s Food Systems Leaders,” marked the launch of the national Science-Policy-Society Interface (SPSI).
From December 16 to 18, this event brought together government leaders, researchers, and young innovators in Addis Ababa. The goal? To align national priorities with youth-led initiatives and speed up progress on the Ethiopian Food Systems Transformation and Nutrition (EFSTN) Pathway.
The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge, policy making, and community needs. Participants shared ideas on how to turn Ethiopia’s vision for a sustainable food system into reality.
In July, during the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), countries, including Ethiopia, recognized the importance of solid governance and youth involvement. Dr. Mandefro Nigussie, CEO of the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), emphasized this commitment during his opening speech. He pointed out that youth play a crucial role in transforming the food landscape.
The discussions over the three days revolved around how SPSI can support the national pathway. With diverse attendees, including decision-makers and youth representatives from the WFF Ethiopia National Chapter, the focus was on collaboration.
The WFF, with over 700 youth members, identified key areas where science and community needs intersect to drive change. Youth leaders worked with government and research bodies to create actionable plans across seven EFSTN Framework areas, including food production, value chain development, and market access.
A major takeaway from the workshop was the creation of a youth-led national action plan. This plan, developed with guidance from ATI experts, aims to implement concrete steps in the next three months. These steps include:
– Aligning youth innovations with national goals.
– Strengthening communication between youth groups and policy makers.
– Creating ongoing dialogue channels for localized solutions like climate adaptation and nutrition.
Participants were also trained in monitoring and evaluation, learning how to set indicators and responsibilities to keep their projects aligned with evidence and policy needs.
At the close of the workshop, there was a strong commitment to integrate SPSI practices into Ethiopia’s food governance. This includes embedding youth plans into the EFSTN framework and establishing follow-up mechanisms to ensure continuity.
Dr. Nicole de Paula from the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub emphasized that transforming food systems is a collective effort. Each group—governments, scientists, communities, and youth—brings unique strengths. “Now is the moment to make youth engagement a permanent part of our national plans,” she said.
As Ethiopia moves forward, ongoing support from the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and other partners will help build a coordinated, youth-inspired approach to food transformation throughout the nation.
This collaborative model not only aims for local success but also sets a precedent for other countries looking to engage their youth in food systems transformation.
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