Saudi Agri Project in Ethiopia Fails: 14,020 Hectares Largely Unused

Saudi Star Agricultural Development Plc, a flagship Saudi agricultural investment in Ethiopia, has largely failed to develop its 14,020-hectare concession in Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz, despite billions in promised investment. The project's collapse highlights the gap between Gulf-state food-security investments and on-the-ground execution, with implications for Ethiopia's land-leasing policy and regional food security. The extent of the failure and the status of the land remain unclear.