Ethiopia Moves to Integrate Large-Scale Food Fortification into National Social Protection Framework
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — January 15, 2026 — Government agencies, international organizations, and civil society leaders convened today at the Radisson Blu Hotel to accelerate the integration of food fortification and nutrition-sensitive strategies into Ethiopia’s primary social safety net.
The technical workshop, jointly organized by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the World Food Programme (WFP), focused on operationalizing nutritional goals within the upcoming sixth phase of the Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP 6). This initiative is supported in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which works globally to improve food and nutrition security.
Strengthening the Food System
With approximately 8 million beneficiaries currently reached by the PSNP, stakeholders identified Phase 6 as a critical window to address micronutrient deficiencies. Dr. Mutinta Hambayi (WFP) and Wubet Girma (GAIN) emphasized that fortifying staple foods like edible oil, salt, and wheat flour is a cornerstone of the national nutrition agenda.
Dr. Tsedey Ashebir (Ministry of Agriculture) confirmed that “Nutrition Sensitivity” is now officially codified as one of the 15 core principles of the PSNP 6 design. The framework aims to enhance human capital by prioritizing direct support to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children under five.
Addressing Infrastructure and Policy Gaps
The workshop also addressed systemic barriers, such as the need for more operational iodization facilities and streamlined certification for wheat millers. H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Founder of the YADAM Foundation, characterized these efforts as a vital investment in Ethiopia’s future productivity and resilience.
