April 11, 2025
The International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair took place in Addis Ababa from April 1 to 3, under the theme “Horticulture for a Sustainable Ethiopia.” The event brought together key stakeholders in the horticulture sector, including government officials, industry leaders, local and international businesses, and experts, to discuss innovations, challenges, and opportunities in the horticultural industry.
Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente, officially opened the three-day trade fair, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to improving the business climate and fostering growth in the horticulture sector. He noted that the government is actively implementing measures to create a more favorable environment for businesses to thrive.
“The horticulture sector has been a priority for us, and we have seen encouraging progress in the last eight months,” Minister Girma said. He stressed that it is crucial for the country to capitalize on the achievements made so far and build on the momentum for further growth. To fully benefit from the sector, Girma emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the existing bottlenecks and enhance synergy across the entire supply chain.
In line with this, the Ethiopian government is pursuing policy reforms and sector-specific strategies aimed at fostering a better environment for private-sector operators. The minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to support local and international initiatives focused on ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
“The government will continue to work tirelessly to improve the business climate, in close cooperation with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), development partners, and other stakeholders,” Minister Girma reaffirmed.
Nega Mequanint, chairman of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), also addressed the trade fair, emphasizing the strategic importance of the event. “This is not just a trade fair; it’s a platform for strategic engagement,” Nega remarked. He credited the recent success of the sector to a combination of strategic industry engagement, supportive government policies, and the dedication of industry members.
Ethiopia’s horticulture industry has made significant strides in recent years, with horticultural exports generating over 360 million U.S. dollars in the first eight months of the current fiscal year.
The trade fair featured exhibitions from local and international horticultural producers, showcasing innovative products and solutions aimed at enhancing the sustainability and productivity of the industry. Discussions at the fair focused on improving the efficiency of supply chains, tackling challenges, and exploring new export markets for Ethiopian horticultural products.