ILO launches digital agri-business hub in Hawassa, Sidama Region of Ethiopia

The Sidama Region of Ethiopia has launched the AgriConnect Digital Agri-Business Hub, unlocking new opportunities for farmers, youth and women entrepreneurs to access real-time market information, digital advisory services, improved technologies, and stronger value-chain linkages, advancing productivity, competitiveness, and decent work across the region’s growing agribusiness sector.

The Hub was jointly launched by H.E. Desta Ledamo, President of the Sidama Region, the ILO Country Director, and regional partners in collaboration with the ILO ProAgro Project, the Sidama Development Association (SDA), the Bureau of Agriculture, and the Jobs, Skills and Enterprise Development Bureau (JSEDB). The initiative forms part of a regional commitment to improve market access, drive digital transformation, and empower agripreneurs across key value chains including poultry, horticulture, and avocado.

A digital platform to strengthen agribusiness and expand decent work

The new Hub combines digital tools, technical services, and enterprise support to connect farmers, SMEs, cooperatives, and service providers to real-time information and essential resources. It will offer agricultural and market data, digital advisory support, business development services, and linkages with research institutions, buyers, and input suppliers.

Highlighting the regional government’s commitment to advancing digital agriculture, H.E. Desta Ledamo, President of the Sidama Region, emphasized the transformative role of the new centre. He stated: “Modernizing our agriculture requires timely information, strong market access, and improved productivity. This digital information hub plays a vital role in achieving these goals and expanding opportunities for our farmers.” 

“The Hub is not just a physical space — it is a collaborative platform designed to connect people, ideas, and resources,” said Khumbula Ndaba, ILO Country Director for Ethiopia Djibouti, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. “It will strengthen agribusiness value chains, provide access to digital technologies and real-time agricultural data, and enhance market linkages and business development services for thousands of producers and enterprises.” 

Innovation exhibition showcases market-ready solutions

Held alongside the inauguration, the Sidama Agricultural Innovation Exhibition 2025 brought together more than 25 innovators, agritech firms, SMEs, cooperatives, universities, research institutes, and financial institutions. Exhibitors showcased solutions such as water-saving irrigation technologies, digital advisory tools, improved seedling systems, poultry innovations, post-harvest management tools, and market linkage models.

The exhibition created a platform for farmers, youth-led and women-led enterprises, and private-sector innovators to connect through demonstrations and business-to-business sessions aimed at accelerating the adoption of promising agricultural technologies.

Addressing ecosystem gaps and strengthening coordination

The Hub responds to key gaps identified in an ILO-led entrepreneurship ecosystem assessment in Sidama, which revealed constraints such as fragmented market linkages, limited financial access, low technology uptake, and high input costs. By uniting services under one coordinated platform, AgriConnect aims to strengthen agribusiness competitiveness and support sustainable enterprise growth.

Speaking on behalf of the private sector and employers’ community, Dr. Dawit Moges, First Vice President of CEEA, underscored the importance of the initiative for both agricultural transformation and job creation. He noted: “This new Agri-hub will serve as a practical engine for transformation. When technology enters the farm, productivity increases and new opportunities emerge. Digital agriculture creates roles for technicians, drone operators, service providers, and agritech entrepreneurs, giving young people dignified pathways into the economy.” 

He added that innovation, training, enterprise support, and digital services brought together under one roof would help farmers and cooperatives improve yields, reduce losses, and compete in local and international markets.

As part of the programme, high-level officials, development partners, and technical delegates conducted a field visit to youth-led agribusiness groups in Yirgalem, including a seedling production enterprise and a growing poultry producers’ cooperative. Participants observed firsthand how improved technologies, advisory services, and market linkages supported through the ProAgro project are strengthening early-stage businesses. The visit highlighted practical examples of how digital tools, access to quality inputs, and coordinated ecosystem support are helping young entrepreneurs expand production, reduce losses, and create sustainable jobs within their communities.

Looking ahead: Building a more inclusive and technology-driven future

The launch of the Digital Agri-Business Hub marks a new step in scaling impact, strengthening value chains, and accelerating job creation. The two-day programme continues with field visits to youth-led agribusiness groups in Yirgalem, offering participants firsthand insights into the innovations driving transformation on the ground.

SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic