The Saudi Star Agriculture Development plc, has named Fikru Desalegn, former State Minister for Capacity Building as its new Executive Director. The retired minister took over, one of the largest agro-industry projects in Ethiopia, as of November 1st said Haile Assegide outgoing executive director and current Chief Executive of Derba MIDROC and Tossa Steel Mill.

The new Executive Director will oversee the agro-industry project launched by Saudi Star in Gambella Regional State. He is expected to mange the operation of the rice farm as well as direct the construction of two mills in Gambella and Bishoftu.

Fikru Desalegn served as the General Manager of the Social Security Authority for nine years as well as being a part of several boards including those of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation, in a distinguished career as a public servant.

Fikru received his first degree in Public Administration from Addis Ababa University and completed postgraduate studies in management from the Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands.

Saudi Star Agricultural Development plc, is a subsidiary company of MIDROC Ethiopia. The company plans to grow rice, with 60% of the produce being exported to Saudi Arabia. The company has invested 80 million US dollars in importing machines and farming equipment.

Source: Addis Fortune