At a recent panel discussion on Building a Nutrition-Conscious Economy, the Workforce Nutrition Programme of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition in Ethiopia brought together experts from government, academia, and the private sector to explore how nutrition plays a critical role in economic growth, workforce productivity, and national development in Ethiopia.
The conversation brought together:
- Dr. Ambisa Muleta, Senior Nutritionist and Researcher, Agricultural Transformation Institute
- Mr. Yemane Joseph, Deputy General Manager, Shints ETP Garment PLC
- Mr. Fistum Tesfaye, Nutritionist, Teacher & Consultant
The panel highlighted a simple yet powerful reality: a strong economy depends on a healthy, well-nourished population. Good nutrition helps workers stay productive, energetic, focused, and innovative, while poor nutrition can reduce efficiency and affect business performance and economic progress. Speakers emphasized that building a nutrition-conscious economy requires action across sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing, education, health, and finance. Nutrition is not only a health issue; it is a strategic investment in human capital and sustainable economic development.
As shared during the discussion:
“It is very important to understand how healthy eating contributes to a country’s economy. Investing in nutrition is essentially investing in human capital, which helps boost the national economy by improving productivity, performance, and overall development.”
This conversation reinforces the growing recognition that workforce nutrition, healthy diets, and employee wellbeing are essential for economic transformation and resilient societies.
Watch the full discussion below: