Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday appointed Addisu Arega Kitessa as Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, replacing Girma Amente. The change takes effect immediately.

The Office of the Prime Minister announced the appointment without providing a reason for the change.

A senior figure in the Prosperity Party, Addisu has held leadership roles at both federal and regional levels. His experience includes heading the Central Committee Office of the former Oromo Democratic Party, coordinating rural development programs, and working in the Government Communications Affairs Office.

He also served as Coordinator of the Oromia Regional State Rural Cluster, with the rank of Deputy Head of State in Oromia, overseeing rural development activities at the regional level.

The appointment comes as the ministry begins a new budget year with plans to expand irrigation schemes, improve fertilizer supply, and advance the use of digital agriculture tools.