German farming machinery technology for Ethiopian vocational schools

Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic state that is home to 100 million people and has incredible potential in the fields of agriculture, industry and tourism. In recent years, the country's economy has seen some of the strongest growth in the world. It is a nation with its own system for telling time, its own script, breathtaking landscapes and a history that stretches back thousands of years. Its potential is reflected in KfW Group's commitment to the region: As well as KfW IPEX-Bank, DEG and the Development Bank are also active in various sectors.

However, the challenges facing this emerging country are still huge: poverty and unemployment are both high. The education sector plays a key role in advancing the country's economic development and creating opportunities for its growing population. KfW Development Bank has been supporting training and education for vocational school teachers for over ten years. It is important that the training has practical relevance – this is ensured by involving industry and the private sector in the development of professional profiles, curricula and school equipment.

During a visit by Member of the KfW Executive Board Dr Joachim Nagel in mid-March, two tractors and other pieces of agricultural equipment were presented to an agricultural training college in the North Ethiopian town of Wukro. Along with Wukro, eleven other agricultural colleges were provided with tractors, equipment and mobile repair workshops. Teachers and pupils will also receive training in operating, maintaining and repairing the new equipment. As part of this project, a cooperative training agreement was concluded with the German agricultural machinery manufacturer Claas. Prime Minister Dr Abiy had previously asked the German Federal Minister Gerd Müller to support mechanisation at agricultural colleges. A total of EUR 8 million was committed to this programme in October 2018 as part of the G20 Compact with Africa Summit. “The school is a genuine pilot project in the field of agricultural training – and could set new benchmarks across the country,” remarks Dr Nagel. “I am impressed by the enthusiasm of the teachers and students.”