Addisu Arega Kitessa (b. 1977, Oromia Region, Ethiopia) was appointed Minister of Agriculture in 2025. He originates from the Oromia region and began his career in public relations and political organization within the region.

Addisu’s political engagement began in the Oromia region, where he worked on rural mobilization and local political organization. He studied at Addis Ababa University, focusing on Political Science and International Relations, which provided the foundation for his later leadership roles.

Before 2018, he served as Deputy Minister in the Government Communications Affairs Office, overseeing government messaging, media coordination, and public communications. In April 2018, he became Head of the Political and Rural Mobilization Bureau under the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO), where he managed rural community outreach and political organization strategies.

In 2019, Addisu was appointed Head of the Central Committee Office of the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP). During this time, he played a central role in the merger of the ODP into the Prosperity Party, Ethiopia’s ruling party under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

As Minister of Agriculture, appointed on August 1, 2025, Addisu has been responsible for leading agricultural modernization, implementing food security programs, and coordinating rural development initiatives nationwide.