Asmara, 24 February 2025 – The Eritrean Women Agro-Business Association held a conference at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall on 21 February.
Ms. Abrehet Habtegergis, Chairperson of the Association, stated that the objective of the conference was to review the association’s 20-year journey, assess achievements, and identify as well as address challenges encountered along the way.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of timely implementation of the association’s three-year strategic plan. He also encouraged organizing training programs to further develop the association as well as to play due part in the effort to ensure nutritious food for all and everywhere.
Commending the association’s efforts in value addition and packaging of food products, Minister Arefaine called for the expansion of these efforts across all regions of the country. He also expressed the Ministry’s readiness to support the association in all its initiatives.
During the conference, discussion papers were presented on topics such as the progress of the association, bee, poultry, honey, and mushroom farming, milk production and processing, value addition and branding, as well as the role of micro-credit and savings programs in strengthening the association’s activities.
Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the presented topics and adopted various recommendations. These included expanding the association’s presence in all regions, strengthening collaboration with stakeholders, fostering relationships with innovators to support product development, and prioritizing land access for agricultural development and market space for products.
The conference was attended by senior officials and experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers, the Forestry and Wildlife Authority, regional agricultural and land departments, the Eritrean Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations.
The Eritrean Women Agro-Business Association was established in 2003.
As part of the event, certificates of recognition were awarded to individuals who participated in a two-week training program on agricultural products and their management. The training was organized at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers premises.