Highlight: Plafko the first oat milk brand in Ethiopia

Plafko Trading PLC (plant food company in Ethiopia) is a plant-based food company. 

DOWNLOAD HERE THE COMPANY PROFILE

It was co-founded by Selam Yihun in December 2024 through the Jasiri program, alongside two co-founders. While traveling across Rwanda—from Tuzza to Kigali—Plafko was struck by the popularity of milk bars. That simple observation sparked a question: Why don’t we see the same access to dairy in Ethiopia?Plafko digged deeper and uncovered more than ten reasons for the gap. Some key insights include:

• 
  A 2% drop in milk demand during fasting seasons due to cultural avoidance of animal products.
  
• 18.3% of children in Ethiopia are lactose intolerant.
• 39% of children under five are stunted (low height for age).
• And generally, the market fails to meet the existing demand for milk and its alternatives.

These findings motivated Plafko to take action. In just a few months, they have sold over 200 liters of its organic oat milk, making Plafko the first oat milk brand in Ethiopia. The goal is to address both health and accessibility issues by offering a diverse product range—from oat milk to plant-based yogurt, cheese, and fortified products for malnourished children.

Plafko is currently working to improve its production efficiency and enter the retail market. They have also actively seeking partnerships and institutional support to help advance product development and expand its impact.

Background:

Selam Yihun is the CEO of Plafko Trading PLC, a women-led agro-processing venture
pioneering plant-based dairy alternatives to address nutritional gaps and environmental challenges across Africa. 

She is one of the beneficiaries of BIC Africa Acceleration Programme for Women Entrepreneurs 2025 Cohort.

Her passion for entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment fuels her vision of an Africa free from food insecurity and the environmental harms of traditional dairy practices. She holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, complemented by strong expertise in business development, strategy, and e-commerce. Selam has supported over 40 startups and contributed to the creation of more than 10,000 jobs across the continent, championing inclusive economic transformation. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the European Union Delegation to Ethiopia’s Youth Sounding Board, where she advocates for youth engagement, inclusive development, economic empowerment, and climate action. She will participate in the World Food Forum Youth Program in Rome (October 2025).

Contact:
Selam Yihun
Co-founder, Plafko Trading PLC
Chair, EU Delegation to Ethiopia – Youth Sounding Board
Youth Representative, WFF Youth Program
syihun6878@gmail.com | +251946636878 | LinkedIn | Plafko.com

Related:

15-20 March 2026. 13 International symposium on Beverage crops South Africa 

Abstract submission 30 September 2025

Under the theme ‘Beverage Crops: Sustainability and Scientific Advancements in the 21st Century,’ this symposium will highlight the latest research, technological innovations, and industry trends shaping the future of beverage crop production and processing. 

This theme reflects the growing importance of beverage crops in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and global trade. Beverage crops encompass a vast diversity of fruits, nuts, vegetables, vine and berry fruits, and botanical plants used for fresh juices, extracts, fermentations, and infusions. From widely consumed beverages such as coffee, tea, beer, and wine to emerging plant-based alternatives like almond and soy beverages, as well as herbal infusions rich in bioactive compounds—including the proudly South African Rooibos tea—this symposium provides a platform for scientific exchange, innovation, and industry collaboration.