A National Reforestation Drive
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is one of the most ambitious environmental and economic projects on the continent. The goal: plant 20 billion trees by 2025 to combat deforestation, create jobs, and improve agricultural productivity.
By mid-2025, Ethiopia had planted over 30 billion seedlings, exceeding initial targets and employing hundreds of thousands of youth across the country.
Jobs Through Greening
Tree planting campaigns have created seasonal jobs for young people in nurseries, transport, and afforestation teams. More than 1.2 million temporary and permanent jobs have been generated, many of them in rural communities affected by land degradation.
The initiative also supports women’s cooperatives that grow seedlings for commercial sale, building a sustainable income source and empowering female entrepreneurs.
Water and Agriculture Benefits
The project has boosted soil fertility, improved groundwater levels, and reduced erosion in areas such as the Amhara and Oromia regions. Farmers now report better crop yields due to improved moisture retention and cooler microclimates.
A Model for Climate Action
Ethiopia’s success is drawing interest from countries across the Sahel and Horn of Africa. The Green Legacy has become a symbol of African-led environmental resilience and development.
