Arba Minch University (AMU)’s senior Enset researcher and innovator, Dr. Addisu Fekadu along with Dr. Vignesh Muthusamy from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, India, and Dr. Ivan Eduardo Ramirez Morales from Technological University of Machala, Ecuador, won the 19th Japan International Award 2025 for Young Agricultural Researchers at the ceremony held on October 27, 2025 at National Center of Sciences Building in Hitotsubashi Hall, Tokyo. Ethiopian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, H.E Ambassador Daba Debele Hunde, Dr. Teklu Wegayehu, AMU Vice President for Research and Cooperation, Dr. Dagnew Mache, postdoctoral fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) at the University of Tsukuba, graced the awarding ceremony. Click here to see more photos.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan, in collaboration with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), continued its annual tradition of honoring excellence through the prestigious Japan Award for Outstanding Research on Development in Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Related Industries. Established in 2007, the award recognizes up to three exceptional young researchers from developing countries who have demonstrated remarkable achievements and innovation in advancing sustainable agricultural and environmental practices. The initiative aims to inspire and empower the next generation of scientific leaders driving agricultural progress and food security across the developing world.
Dr. Teklu Wegayehu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation at AMU, described the awarding event as ceremonial, inspiring, and deeply meaningful, emphasizing that its selection criteria centered on the long-term impact of technological innovation in promoting food security, sustainability, and climate resilience. The event enhanced AMU’s visibility in Japan and beyond as the program was live streamed. He congratulated the awardee, Dr. Addis Fekadu, for his outstanding research and innovation in Enset fermentation technologies in Ethiopia and extended his appreciation to Japan Government as the recognition underscores the commitment to supporting global agricultural research and fostering sustainable practices that can lead to positive impacts on both local and global scales.
Dr. Teklu also revealed that the AMU delegation led by him, has met with H.E. Daba Debele, Ethiopian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, and discussed the prospects for future institutional collaboration and mechanisms. H.E. Ambassador Daba Debele, has given a brief lowdown on the Embassy and, in turn, I have done the same about AMUs reform directions, Dr. Teklu informed. He also appreciated the presence of Prof. So Miyagawa from the University of Tsukuba in the collaborative discussion
Reflecting on the honor expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Dr. Addisu Fekadu, said, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It underscores our shared commitment to promoting indigenous food crops and building sustainable food systems in Ethiopia. I am truly grateful to our partners, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin), and AMU for their unwavering support throughout this journey." This global recognition not only brings immense pride to AMU but also reinforces its growing reputation as a hub of agricultural innovation and research excellence in Ethiopia and beyond, Dr. Addisu noted. He also acknowledged the presence of H.E. Ambassador Daba Debele Hunde, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, whose attendance made the occasion even more meaningful.
Dr. Addisu Fekadu’s recognition by the Government of Japan marks a historic milestone for AMU and Ethiopia’s scientific community. The award highlights both individual excellence and AMU’s emerging role as a hub of agricultural innovation. Planned discussions between AMU and the Ethiopian Embassy in Japan are expected to foster international collaboration, joint research, and capacity-building partnerships, reinforcing the transformative impact of Ethiopian scholarship on sustainable food systems and development across Africa and beyond.
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