The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Ethiopia shared key updates and reflections from the Midyear Review Meeting of AGRA-funded projects, held from August 25–27, 2025, in Hawassa. Although several months have passed since the event, the discussions remain relevant and continue to inform SAA’s ongoing effort in Ethiopia’s soybean sector, as partners prepare for the next implementation phase.

The meeting convened more than 61 representatives from partner organizations to assess progress across AGRA-funded soybean and wheat initiatives and to strengthen collaborative strategies. During the opening session, Dr. Jean Jacques Mbonigaba Muhinda, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at AGRA, reaffirmed AGRA’s commitment to supporting implementing partners and emphasized that innovation and coordinated action are essential for advancing agricultural transformation.

SAA contributed actively to the technical sessions, presenting the status of its soybean interventions in the Jimma and Bunno-Bedele zones. The presentation sparked constructive dialogue on achievements, challenges, and practical solutions for the coming period. Key insights, particularly those related to farmer engagement, extension support, and scaling pathways, have since informed adjustments within SAA’s ongoing field activities.

Jean Jacques, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at AGRA, speaks at the opening session

By sharing these outcomes, SAA underscores the continued importance of the Hawassa review as a foundation for strengthening soybean value chain interventions, deepening collaboration with partners, and refining priorities for the next phase of implementation.