Yadam Foundation

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Yadam Foundation

YADAM Foundation, founded by H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, envisions an Africa free from malnutrition.

It works to end all forms of malnutrition through a one-nutrition approach combining innovation, policy advocacy, research, and community empowerment.

10/12/2025

YADAM Foundation Delivers Keynote at MMS Roadmap Launch

Addis Ababa, December 4, 2025 — H.E. Demeke Mekonen, Founder and Board Chair of the YADAM Foundation, delivered a keynote speech at the launch of Ethiopia’s Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) Roadmap, organized by the Ministry of Health at UNECA.

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen Hassen emphasized the critical role of nutrition ; especially during the first 1,000 days ; in shaping both individual wellbeing and Ethiopia’s socio-economic future. He highlighted that the MMS Roadmap represents more than a technical plan; it reflects a national commitment to integrating MMS into health systems to ensure mothers and children receive essential nutritional support.

He called for stronger advocacy, increased resource mobilization, and greater investment from government and development partners, stressing that “every dollar invested in nutrition yields significant returns through healthier children and stronger communities.”

H.E. Demeke reaffirmed YADAM Foundation’s commitment to advancing nutrition advocacy at all levels, working toward a future where every mother can give birth to a healthy child with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

26/11/2025

YADAM Convened the Second Stakeholder Consultative Workshop on Tekeze Blue Hub Initiative

YADAM Foundation together with UNICEF and consortium members hosted the second high-level stakeholder consultative workshop on 24 November at Radisson Blu Hotel – Addis Ababa, for advancing the Tekeze Blue Hub initiative as a flagship project to improve nutrition outcomes, create jobs and build climate-resilient livelihoods. The event was opened by H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, together with Dr. Aboubacar Kampo (UNICEF), Ms. Farayi Zimudzi (FAO), Dr. Bernice McLean (AUDA-NEPAD) and senior experts from UNDP, IGAD and other partners, reflecting strong commitment to the Hub’s vision.

Discussions highlighted core components of the Tekeze Blue Hub, including nutrition-sensitive aquaculture, value chain development and market access, women and youth employment, climate-smart water and land management, and innovation and research for scalable solutions. YADAM led the process as convener and technical facilitator, with seven Universities and Light Ethiopia joining as key implementation partners. The consortium Universities include Bahir Dar University, University of Gondar, Woldia University, Wollo University, Mekele University, Axum University and Debark University.

The workshop concluded with partners reaffirming their commitment to co-design and implement Tekeze Blue Hub interventions, strengthen knowledge exchange, and mobilize resources—positioning the Hub as a catalytic model for Ethiopia’s blue economy.

Organisations : UNICEF & YADAM Foundation

25/11/2025

YADAM and FAO Ethiopia Made Discussion on Possible Collaboration

The YADAM Foundation hosted a strategic meeting with a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Ethiopia, led by Ms. Farayi Zimudzi, Country Representative, and Ms. Maya Hage Ali, Head of the Better Nutrition Group and Policy Officer at FAO Ethiopia.

The discussion was dedicated to exploring partnership aimed at driving sustainable change in Ethiopia's agricultural and food systems. Both teams aligned on a shared vision, identifying key areas for future collaboration, including Advocacy & Governance for Inclusive, Nutritious and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems, building Resilient Livelihoods and Food Sovereignty, and harnessing the potential of the Blue Economy. Further common ground was found in the priorities of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, as well as accelerating Inclusive Rural Transformation and Equity.

This meeting marks a promising start to a collaborative relationship focused on creating tangible impact and empowering communities across Ethiopia.

23/11/2025

YADAM Foundation & Soka University Partner for Sustainable Nutrition Innovation

YADAM Foundation held productive discussions with Prof. Shinjiro Sato of Soka University (Japan) to advance a joint initiative focused on improving community nutrition and supporting environmental restoration in Ethiopia.

The collaboration explores converting invasive water hyacinth into valuable agricultural and nutritional resources ; helping strengthen local food systems, support community wellbeing, and enhance ecosystem recovery.

Both sides emphasized the importance of strong research, community-centered approaches, and scalable solutions. This partnership marks a meaningful step toward sustainable, locally driven innovations that address malnutrition and environmental challenges in Ethiopia.

21/11/2025

Event Announcement
🌊 Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on the Tekeze Blue Hub Initiative

🤝 Join us!
The YADAM Foundation, together with its partners, invites you to an inspiring Consultative Workshop designed to spark strategic, action-focused dialogue. Together, we’ll explore how to turn shared commitments into coordinated investments for climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive development across the Tekeze Basin. 🌱💧

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✨ Workshop Highlights
• 🔵 Presentation of the Tekeze Blue Hub concept + key findings from the August 2025 multi-stakeholder meetings
• 💬 Reflective dialogue on relevance, implementation pathways, policy alignment & impact potential
• 🤝 Exploration of partnership models, financing avenues & participant commitments

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📅 Event Details
• Date: Monday, 24 November 2025
• Time: ⏰ 09:00 – 13:00
• Venue: 🏨 Radisson Blue Hotel, Addis Ababa

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🎯 Target Audience
• 🌍 Ambassadors & diplomatic representatives
• 🇺🇳 UN & multilateral agencies
• 🌐 International & national NGOs
• 💖 Philanthropic foundations
• 🎓 University presidents & technical leads

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💻 How to Participate
Participants are encouraged to join via Zoom.
🔗 The YADAM Foundation will share the Zoom link prior to the event.

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🌟 We look forward to your engagement in shaping the future of the Tekeze Blue Hub Initiative! 🌟

19/11/2025

YADAM and Awra Amba Community Founder Forge Partnership for Model Villages

In a significant step towards community-led development, the organization YADAM has held high-level talks with the founder of the Awra Amba Community, Zumra Nuru, to explore a collaborative future.
The discussions centered on family-based social transformation and the potential to establish innovative "model villages." These villages would be built on the principle of creating suitable local solutions to community challenges.
A key outcome of the meeting was YADAM's agreement to integrate the indigenous value systems championed by the Awra Amba Community. This partnership signals a commitment to learning from time-tested local wisdom to drive meaningful social change.
The collaboration aims to create tangible blueprints for sustainable living, rooted in the cultural fabric of the communities they serve.

17/11/2025

YADAM Foundation & TechnoServe Partner to Advance Nutrition in Ethiopia

On November 13, 2025, YADAM Foundation hosted TechnoServe’s Millers for Nutrition (M4N) team for a high-level discussion on accelerating Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) in Ethiopia.

Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to fighting malnutrition and aligning efforts for greater national impact.

YADAM Foundation also highlighted its upcoming national event, “Strengthening Nutrition Advocacy in Ethiopia,” happening on December 18, 2025, where government leaders, partners, and donors will gather to push LSFF implementation forward. TechnoServe confirmed its active support and participation.

Together, the two organizations will continue strengthening collaboration and advancing innovative nutrition initiatives across Ethiopia.

Organizations : TechnoServe & YADAM Foundation

16/11/2025

Building the Future: Vision in Action

(Part 2 of 2: The Path Forward)

In this second part of the YADAM's documentary series, we look ahead ; to a vision that extends to the nation.

Through strategic action YADAM is building the foundations of human potential ; nurturing children from the very start to ensure they grow, learn, and lead with strength.

This story highlights how leadership and collaboration are driving forces behind YADAM’s mission ; working hand in hand with national priorities and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 to create a healthier, more resilient generation.

YADAM’s vision is clear: to break the cycle of malnutrition and securing a nourished, thriving future for all. 💚

🎥 Watch “Building the Future: YADAM’s Vision in Action” → https://lnkd.in/ec7EWagh

12/11/2025

The Purpose Behind YADAM

(Part 1 of 2: The Founding Vision)

From national leadership to global engagement, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen’s has strong belief that nutrition is the cornerstone of human development.

In this first part of our special documentary series, we uncover the inspiration and motivation behind the creation of the YADAM Foundation ; a vision shaped by decades of service, international experience, and a deep conviction that every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

Through this story, we see how YADAM's commitment to humanity became a movement to fight malnutrition and empower communities across generations. 💚

🎥 Watch “The Purpose Behind YADAM” → https://youtu.be/WNM6T4EjkQE?si=sSa7IAcXojHNu3O_

11/11/2025

November 10, 2025 | Addis Ababa

YADAM Foundation held a strategic discussion with the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) team, led by National Coordinator Mr. Dejene Biru. The dialogue focused on unlocking new funding streams, strengthening technical capacity, and fostering lasting partnerships for sustainable impact in Ethiopia.

Both sides explored shared priorities ; biodiversity, climate action, sustainable agriculture, and land management ; and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing multi-phase projects that advance community resilience and environmental sustainability.

08/11/2025

"The Inception of YADAM"

In this exclusive interview, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Founder of the YADAM Foundation and former Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, shares the inspiring story behind YADAM’s creation ; a vision shaped by years of leadership, service, and a deep conviction that nutrition is the cornerstone of human development.

YADAM’s mission aligns with Agenda 2063, reflecting a shared vision for a healthier and more resilient Africa. H.E. Demeke highlights how malnutrition has deeply affected Ethiopia ; influencing education, economic growth, and social wellbeing ; and how this reality inspired his commitment to serving communities in need.

From its humble beginnings to its mission of empowering families and ending malnutrition, this story reveals the purpose, values, and passion that gave life to YADAM ; a foundation built to transform lives and secure a nourished future for generations to come. 💚

🎥 Watch Full Video “How YADAM Was Born” directly from the founder →https://youtu.be/1tc06Mw6FKk

04/11/2025

“Voices from the Launch”
On December 16, 2024, the YADAM Foundation was officially launched at the Sheraton Addis Hotel ;marking a historic step in Africa’s united effort to end Malnutrition. 🌍✨

During the event, high-level officials from across Africa and Ethiopia, alongside representatives from international organizations, and development partners, shared powerful reflections on YADAM’s vision and the urgent need for collective action.

From inspiring messages on partnership to calls for sustainable nutrition solutions, each voice strengthened our shared commitment to more resilient generation. 💙

🎤 Featuring voices from: Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba , H.E Hassan Mohammed, H.E Hikma Keyeradin, H.E Amb. Asfaw Dingamo, Dr. Aboubacar kampo(UNICEF), Prof. Nathaniel Agola, Tendai G. , Dr. Wuhibegzer Ferede.

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South Africa Street
Addis Ababa

Website

https://yadamfoundation.org/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/yadamfoundation/posts/?feedView=all, http://t.me/yadamfou

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