Ethiopia and Italy are strengthening their partnership in agricultural mechanisation as preparations gather pace for the 47th edition of EIMA International, one of the world’s leading agricultural machinery exhibitions, scheduled to take place in Bologna, Italy, from 10–14 November 2026.
The exhibition was officially promoted in Addis Ababa as part of EIMA International’s global roadshow, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries in advancing modern farming technologies. The event brought together representatives from the Italian Embassy, the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, and FederUnacoma, the Italian association representing agricultural machinery manufacturers and organiser of the exhibition.
Ethiopia remains one of Africa’s most promising agricultural economies, with diverse agro-climatic conditions supporting the production of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables and coffee. As the world’s third-largest producer of Arabica coffee, the country has significant opportunities to increase agricultural output through greater mechanisation and improved farming technologies.
Despite its vast agricultural potential, Ethiopia continues to face challenges including low levels of farm mechanisation, limited irrigation infrastructure, and inadequate transport and storage facilities. These constraints have restricted productivity and highlight the need for investment in modern agricultural equipment.
EIMA International 2026 will feature more than 1,800 exhibitors showcasing over 60,000 agricultural machines, equipment and components across 14 specialised sectors and seven thematic exhibitions. The event will provide Ethiopian farmers, agribusinesses and agricultural stakeholders with access to advanced technologies designed to improve productivity, sustainability and operational efficiency.
Beyond machinery, the exhibition will also promote knowledge exchange, technical training and international cooperation, focusing on the adoption of digital agriculture solutions and precision farming technologies that can support Africa’s agricultural transformation.
The Italian Trade Agency (ICE) confirmed that an official Ethiopian business delegation will attend EIMA International 2026. The delegation, organised in partnership with FederUnacoma, will participate in targeted business-to-business meetings with international manufacturers, creating opportunities for investment, technology transfer and long-term commercial partnerships.
The growing collaboration between Ethiopia and Italy reflects a broader effort to accelerate agricultural development across Africa by improving farmers’ access to modern equipment, technical expertise and innovative farming solutions. As African countries continue prioritising food security, value addition and sustainable agricultural growth, partnerships such as this are expected to play an increasingly important role in modernising the continent’s agricultural sector.
