Our Executive Team

Henok Yemanebirhan
Founder & Managing Director
Henok Yemanebirhan is a senior horticulturalist and entrepreneur with a Master’s in Horticulture from Jimma University. He began his career as an instructor and researcher, focusing on root crops, fruits, and vegetables, and published several research findings during his time at the Jimma Agricultural Research Center. Henok later ventured into entrepreneurship, successfully establishing a vegetable farm, animal products shops, a liquid soap factory, and a café and restaurant. He also founded BHB Construction PLC, specializing in prefabricated houses. Currently, Henok leads Agri-curve Ethiopia PLC, where he continues to excel in agriculture and business, leveraging strong lobbying and teamwork skills. Fluent in Amharic and English, Henok effectively collaborates with both government and private institutions.

Professor Weyessa Garedew
Prof. Weyessa Garedew is a senior lecturer, researcher, and consultant in agriculture with over two decades of experience. He holds a PhD and MSc in Horticulture and has published over 70 research articles. Prof. Weyessa has played a key role in developing crop varieties, and academic programs and supervising numerous MSc and PhD students. He has led and contributed to major research projects, including PACSMAC, and excels in statistical analysis. Fluent in Afaan Oromo, Amharic, and English, he is deeply committed to advancing agricultural research and education in Ethiopia.

Mr Ashenafi Ayano Fole
Senior Researcher and Consultant
Executive committee of Ethiopian coffee science society
Ashenafi Ayano is a Senior Agricultural Researcher and Coffee Cupping Expert with over 35 years of experience in crop research, focusing on coffee agronomy, quality assessment, and biotechnology. He holds an MSc in Horticulture from Jimma University and is currently pursuing a PhD. As the former Director of the Jimma Agricultural Research Center, Ashenafi played a key role in developing Ethiopia’s national coffee research and sector development strategies. He has extensive experience in training, project development, and collaboration with NGOs and private coffee growers. Ashenafi is fluent in Amharic, Oromiffa, and English.

Kifle Belachew Bekele (PhD)
Senior Researcher and Consultant
Secretary of Ethiopian coffee science society
Dr. Kifle Belachew Bekele is a Senior Agricultural Researcher, independent consultant, and lecturer with over 15 years of experience in coffee and related crop research. He holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD from Jimma University and has served as Director of the Bonga Agricultural Research Center. He has published 25 scientific articles and numerous agricultural technology manuals. Dr. Kifle has presented at over 35 national and international conferences and is an active member of organizations such as the International Coffee Association and the African Coffee Research Network. Fluent in Amharic, Kafinoono, and English, he also has strong computer and data management skills.

Shimeles Tilahun (PhD)
Senior Researcher
Dr. Shimeles Tilahun is a dedicated researcher with a PhD in Horticulture and Bio-systems engineering from Kangwon National University, South Korea. He also holds MSc and BSc in Horticulture from Haramaya and Jimma Universities. Currently, he is a senior researcher at the Agriculture and Life Science Research Institute of Kangwon National University. Dr. Shimeles has published over 40 research articles in renowned journals and has presented his work at international conferences. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Jimma University and contributed significantly to the Ethiopian horticulture industry. Fluent in Amharic, Oromiffa, English, and Korean, Dr. Shimeles brings a global perspective to his work in agriculture and nutrition.

Amsalu Nebiyu (PhD)
Senior Researcher
Amsalu Nebiyu holds a Ph.D. in Applied Biology (Cropping Systems Agronomy) from the University of Ghent, Belgium, and an MSc and BSc in Horticulture and Plant Science from Alemaya University, Ethiopia. With over 25 years of experience in agricultural research, development, and education, Amsalu specializes in agronomic production systems, soil fertility, and nutrient management. He has a proven track record in designing and coordinating high-quality agronomic trials, implementing participatory research projects, and delivering specialized training programs. Amsalu’s expertise includes consultancy services for key stakeholders, particularly in integrated soil fertility management and acid soil management for smallholder farming systems. His work on sustainable cropping systems and organic soil amendments in collaboration with national and international partners further highlights his contributions to the field.

Dr. Haimanot Mitiku
Senior Researcher
Dr. Haimanot Mitiku is a senior researcher specializing in Horticulture and Food Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Hannam University, South Korea, an MSc in Post-Harvest Management from Jimma University, and a BSc in Crop and Horticultural Science from Mekelle University. Formerly the Director of Tepi National Spices Research Center, Dr. Haimanot has over a decade of experience with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). He has published more than 20 scientific papers and focuses on biomedical food components, developing anti-diabetic drugs from medicinal plants and horticultural crops. Dr. Haimanot has also released high-yield, disease-resistant spice varieties and won the Ethiopian Science and Technology Award for his work on turmeric technologies. He has collaborated with international organizations and served as a board member of Mizan-Tepi University. Dr. Haimanot is proficient in Amharic, English, and Korean.

Mr. Demelash Teferi
Senior Researcher and Consultant
Demelash Teferi is a senior coffee expert and consultant with over 35 years of experience in coffee research and development in South Western Ethiopia. His expertise spans crop protection, variety development, germplasm collection, and coffee biotechnology. He has trained numerous specialists in coffee production, quality management, and variety utilization, and has played a key role in developing national training manuals on these topics. Demelash has led various national surveys on coffee diseases and production and contributed to multiple EU-funded coffee projects. He has published extensively, with 17 journal articles and 23 proceedings. Proficient in Amharic, Oromiffa, and English, he also has strong computer and leadership skills.

Anteneh Tesfaye
Senior Horticulturalist
Anteneh Tesfaye is a senior horticulturist with over 25 years of experience in agriculture and management. He holds degrees from Ambo University and Alpha University. Anteneh has held leadership roles in several organizations, including Managing Director of Micbenzer Trading Plc and General Manager of TK Agro-Industry. He also led projects at United F. Bio-Farm and managed farms at Bukito Agro-Industry, ZK Flowers, Metrolux Flowers, and Golden Rose Agro-Farm. With a strong track record in business strategy, project management, and stakeholder collaboration, Anteneh excels in team leadership and commercial planning. He is fluent in Amharic and English.

Gezahegn Teshale
Finance Manager
Mr. Gezahegn Teshale is a finance professional with over 16 years of experience in accounting and management. He holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Saint Merry University and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Jimma University. Throughout his career, he has advanced from Accountant to Senior Accountant and now serves as Finance Manager at Agri-curve Ethiopia Plc. Mr. Gezahegn is dedicated to continuous learning and has earned several certificates for his voluntary contributions. Fluent in Amharic and English, he is known for his open mindset and enthusiasm for growth.