Developing the market for protein rich soy products in Ethiopia With a fast growing population, Ethiopia faces challenges to provide enough healthy and nutritious food to its (young) population. Soy-based products are protein rich products which can be a healthy supplement to the local diet and can substitute meat. The joint venture of the Kenyan Export Trading Company Ltd (applicant), the local partner DI Patel Co. and the Malawian Seba Foods Ltd aims to set up a soy processing plant near Addis Ababa, directly employing 75 people. For the purchase of (non-genetically-modified) GMO-free soy, an outgrowers scheme will be set up with 5 farmer cooperatives involving 250 soy producers. The farmers will be supported with seeds and crop advice. The processing plant will produce soy-based products like Tasty Soy Pieces (TSP), enriched with essential minerals and vitamins, which can be used as a meat substitute in regular dishes. The products will be distributed through a network of local wholesale companies and will be sold at a retail price approximately 25% lower than the price of meat, also in reach for people with lower purchasing power.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)A CSR policy will be drafted, including work safety, salary payments, secondary working conditions, health policy and compliance with environmental standards. A CSR audit (ETI/SA 8000) will be done. General agreements on salaries and working conditions, defy child labour and applying of gender neutral and non-discrimination policy will be made in collaboration with the labour union. Furthermore, the project will be HACCP certified and it will apply all GMP principles.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsAt the end of the pilot project 22 medium-/high-level workers will be employed, 53 basic-level workers and 15 temporary workers. In addition, 250 outgrowers will be involved in the project. Two years after the pilot 35 medium-/high-level workers will be employed, 90 basic-level workers and 25 temporary workers. The wages will at least be 50% higher than the minimum wages. Secondary working conditions are free meals, payment of overtime, HIV/AIDS awareness activities and testing, free counselling, health insurance and assistance with childcare.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThe training will enhance people's working skills, especially with HACCP and GMP. Special attention will be paid to marketing and sales and an extensive marketing campaign will be developed. This will be a valuable experience that is not much developed in Ethiopia.•	Chain effectsThe processing plant will require an increasing amount of soy beans. Therefore, it is of huge importance that the project invests in stable relations with a growing number of soy bean producers (through provision of seeds, crop advice, stable prices, easier access to credits). Moreover, soybeans enrich the soil and can be used for crop rotation (stimulated by government and NGOs).A new distribution network needs to be created to sell TSP. Wholesale companies will be contracted to distribute TSP to shops and outlets.At the end of the chain the consumer will profit, as protein rich food products will come on the market, which can supplement and replace expensive meat.•	EnvironmentAt the start of the project an Environmental Impact Assessment will be done. Hereafter, the necessary investments will be done to minimise environmental impact. HACCP and GMP will guarantee that the joint venture operates under international standards. The training for small farmers will focus on efficient use of fertilizers, pesticides and water, resulting in very limited impact on the environment.•	Position of womenThe company will have a preferential policy to employ women, especially in the marketing department, quality control department and administration. The aim is that 10 to 15% of the workforce is female. Many women work in the soy production in rural areas. During the outgrowers' training, special attention will be paid to the position of women. To set up a soybean processing plant in Durqam for the production of Tasty Soy Pieces.