Addis ababa: The Government of Ethiopia has been intensifying its effort to boost horticulture, design policies and strategies that attract both local and foreign investors into the sector, Agriculture State Minister Sofia Kassa said. The 10th edition of the Hortiflora Expo was opened in Addis Ababa today, bringing together key players from across the globe.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, State Minister Sofia Kassa stated that the government has designed agricultural and rural development policy aimed at enhancing the production of flowers, vegetables, and fruits. This expo is taking place at a time when the government is focusing on transforming the agriculture sector with initiatives centered on food systems, modernization, technological advancement, irrigation expansion, and import substitution.
The State Minister highlighted that agriculture remains a crucial part of Ethiopia's economy, contributing 32 percent to the GDP. The horticulture sector, in particular, has positioned Ethiopia among the leading flower exporters globally, serving as a major source of foreign exchange revenue. Currently, Ethiopia is the second largest flower exporter in Africa.
Ethiopian Horticulture Producer-Exporters Association (EHPEA) Chairman, Nega Mequanint, remarked on the sector's resilience and strong performance, which have positioned Ethiopia as a competitive player in the international horticulture market. In previous fiscal years, the industry generated more than half a billion US dollars in export value. The sector employs around 200,000 Ethiopians, predominantly women, significantly contributing to poverty reduction and skill transformation.
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, Christine Pirenne, emphasized the longstanding partnership in horticulture as a key area of collaboration between the two nations. Dutch investors have played a crucial role in the early development of Ethiopia's floriculture industry, supporting technology, expertise, and knowledge transfer. The sector has grown into one of Ethiopia's most successful export industries, creating numerous jobs and generating vital foreign exchange. Currently, around 100 Dutch companies are active in Ethiopia across different sectors, including horticulture.
The three-day expo has attracted various participants, including producers, exporters, seed suppliers, global buyers, financial institutions, technology providers, logistics firms, policymakers, and researchers, among others.