The African Forest Forum (AFF), in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Ethiopian Forest Development (EFD), successfully convened a National Policy Dialogue on Deforestation-Free Green Value Chains in Ethiopia on 5–6 May 2026.
The dialogue forms part of an AFF-AGRA multi-country initiative implemented in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana titled: “Scaling Youth-Led Climate Innovations for a Greener Africa: Enhancing Compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) through Sustainable Land Management and Landscape Restoration.”
The two-day dialogue brought together 46 participants from government institutions, civil society, the private sector, academia, and youth groups. Discussions focused on identifying policy pathways to support deforestation-free value chains, while promoting youth employment and sustainable land management.
In his opening remarks, AFF CEO–Executive Secretary, Prof. Labode Popoola, emphasized the transformative potential of sustainable forest trade: “Sustainable trade in forest products can serve as a strong connector among nations and a driver of economic growth in Africa.” He further highlighted the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area alongside the European Union Deforestation Regulation in enhancing intra-African trade and global competitiveness.
Representing AGRA’s Climate Adaptation, Sustainable Agriculture and Resilience (CASAR) programme, Dr. Maru Bekele underscored that: “This is not simply about compliance. It is about strengthening systems.” He stressed the importance of placing youth and forest-dependent communities at the centre of the transition to deforestation-free supply chains, noting that with access to skills, finance, and markets, young people can drive green growth and innovation.
The Guest of Honour, Ato Kebede Yimam, Director General of Ethiopian Forest Development, highlighted the urgency of coordinated action: “This dialogue comes at a critical turning point as we face an unprecedented global climate crisis and environmental degradation.” He pointed to Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as a foundation for forest-based industrialization, linking restoration efforts to economic transformation. He emphasized that forests must serve as a backbone for a resilient, low-carbon economy.
Towards a National Roadmap for EUDR Compliance
AFF Project Manager Dr. Tefera Belay noted that the dialogue aims to contribute to the development of a national roadmap to support Ethiopia’s preparedness and compliance with the EUDR through deforestation-free supply chains.
Participants explored key themes including:
- Sustainable forestry and landscape restoration
- Coffee value chains and export readiness
- Renewable energy integration
- Youth entrepreneurship and green jobs
- Responsible land management practices
Key outcomes and way forward
The dialogue concluded with:
- Draft policy recommendations to support deforestation-free value chains
- A renewed commitment to multi-stakeholder collaboration
- Strong emphasis on youth, women, and local innovators as central actors
- A shared vision for competitive, inclusive, and sustainable green value chains
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration across sectors to advance policy coherence, sustainable trade, and youth-led green innovation.
Building a Nature-Positive Future
The dialogue marks a significant step toward building transparent, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable value chains that both protect forests and create economic opportunities. By aligning national priorities with global sustainability standards, Ethiopia is positioning itself to compete more effectively in emerging green markets while ensuring that development pathways remain equitable, resilient, and nature-positive.
For more information on the AFF-AGRA project, go to: https://afforum.org/new/web/project/youth-and-eudr-compliance