Addis ababa: The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean Technical Cooperation (KTC), inaugurated a five-year initiative today. This initiative, named the 'Ethiopian National Quality Management Capacity Enhancement Project,' aims to strengthen the competitiveness of agricultural and processed agricultural products.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Trade and Regional Integration State Minister Endalew Mekonnen stated that the project represents a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and South Korea, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a common aspiration for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. He emphasized that global market competitiveness relies on quality, safety, reliability, and compliance with international standards.
The project focuses on building stronger national quality infrastructure institutions to support industrialization, export performance, consumer protection, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. It aims to enhance Ethiopia's capacity in areas such as standard development, testing, inspection, certification, accreditation, and quality regulatory systems, while also strengthening human resources for long-term sustainability.
As Ethiopia advances regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and expands participation in global value chains, strengthening national quality infrastructure has become a strategic priority. The project will run for five years, with official development assistance totaling 10 million USD provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea.
KOICA Ethiopia Office Deputy Country Director, Shin Seunghee, expressed enthusiasm for the full-scale implementation of the initiative, highlighting the enduring friendship and development cooperation between South Korea and Ethiopia. The project aims to enhance testing, inspection, and quality control regulations over the next five years, helping Ethiopian products meet technical requirements for trade and support food exports.
The initiative also seeks to create sustainable livelihoods for farmers and processors by promoting higher standards of production. The project represents an important step in Ethiopia's progress toward sustainable economic growth and social development, with KOICA committed to delivering results that benefit the Ethiopian people for generations.
Accordingly, the project intends to deliver measurable results and leave a lasting legacy by improving Ethiopia's national quality systems and boosting the competitiveness of its agro-processing sector.