The 13th Ethio Poultry Expo (ETHIOPEX) and the 9th Africa Livestock Exhibition and Congress (ALEC) have officially opened at Millennium Hall, showcasing Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing its animal husbandry sector. This year’s event, which also features exhibitions on Apiculture, Aquaculture, and Bioenergy, has attracted over 1,000 enthusiastic visitors.
A Vibrant Celebration
The opening ceremony on October 31, 2024, was marked by a vibrant atmosphere of exchanges and collaborations, welcoming exhibitors from 14 countries. Esteemed guests and partners celebrated this impactful start, reinforcing Ethiopia’s role in advancing its agricultural landscape.
Distinguished Guests
The ceremony was graced by notable figures, including:
- H.E. Dr. Fikru Regassa, State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture
- Amb. Christine Pirenne, Ambassador of the Netherlands Embassy
- Dr. Asrat Tera, Director General, Livestock Development Institute
- Mrs. Julie Graham, Country Director, SNV Ethiopia
- Dr. Hamid Jemal, Deputy Director General – Ethiopian Agricultural Authority
- Mr. Nebeyu Lemma, Managing Director, Prana Events
- Osama Moustafa, President & CEO – Expo Team for Services Co. Ltd.
Key Messages from Our Speakers
H.E. Dr. Fikru Regassa
Highlighting the significance of animal husbandry to Ethiopia’s economy, Dr. Regassa stated, “With Africa’s largest livestock population, enhancing productivity in dairy, poultry, aquaculture, and honey is essential to meet our country’s food demands.” He emphasized this year’s theme, “Livestock: Now and the Future; Current Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” aligning with the goals of the “Yelemat Tirufat” program.
Amb. Christine Pirenne
Ambassador Pirenne expressed the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s dairy and poultry sectors, emphasizing their role in economic growth and food security. She noted the participation of over 15 Dutch companies showcasing innovations in genetic breeding and dairy processing technology.
Mrs. Julie Graham
Mrs. Graham encouraged participants to engage and collaborate, emphasizing the event as a valuable opportunity for sharing experiences and advancing sustainable practices in animal husbandry.
Mr. Nebeyu Lemma
Mr. Lemma highlighted the impressive turnout of over 100 exhibitors from various countries, thanking partners, including the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and the Ethiopian Livestock Development Institute, for their support in making the event possible.
Osama Moustafa
Moustafa underscored the importance of partnerships as a foundation for progress, expressing excitement about the collaborative opportunities that ETHIOPEX offers to local and international stakeholders.
Day 1 Highlights
Attendees explored advanced technologies and solutions at the Netherlands Pavilion, engaging with top exhibitors in the livestock and poultry sectors. Completed sessions included the Poultry Forum and the Dairy Summit on milk quality and safety.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
The second day promises valuable insights with the following key sessions:
Dairy Summit
- Location: Lalibella Hall
- Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (By Invitation Only)
- Organizers: SNV and Prana Events
This exclusive session will gather experts in dairy production and safety to discuss innovative approaches for Ethiopia’s dairy sector.
Cross-Cutting Issues in Animal Husbandry
- Location: Lalibella Hall
- Time: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Organizers: Prana Events and SNV
This session will address essential issues affecting the animal husbandry sector.
As we move forward, the ETHIOPEX and ALEC events aim to shape the future of Ethiopian agriculture through collaboration and innovation. Thank you to all who contributed to a successful opening day! We look forward to another day of insights and progress in animal husbandry.
