Horticulture expo kicks off in Ethiopia to boost export earnings

ADDIS ABABA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The 10th edition of the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair kicked off on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, with a call to boost the export of horticultural products.

People communicate during the 10th edition of the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 24, 2026. The 10th edition of the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair kicked off on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, with a call to boost the export of horticultural products. (Photo: Xinhua)

The three-day event brought together more than 150 local and international exhibitors from over 50 countries and regions to promote eco-friendly cultivation practices.

Speaking at the event, Sofia Kassa, state minister for agricultural investment and input sector of the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, said Ethiopia is now among the world's leading producers of cut flowers, generating more than half a billion U.S. dollars annually and ranking as Africa's second-largest exporter in the sector.

"The Ethiopian floriculture sector has positioned the country among the leading flower exporters globally. It has become a major source of foreign exchange earnings, contributing significantly to national export revenue. The sector also provides employment opportunities to hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians, contributing meaningfully to poverty reduction, livelihood improvement, and inclusive development," Kassa said.

Highlighting that the country's export of horticultural products remains minimal relative to its potential, the state minister called for increased investment in, and revenue from, the export of fruits and vegetables.

Nega Mequanint, chairman of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association, said the expo has brought together stakeholders from around the world, including producers, exporters, investors, input suppliers, policymakers and development partners, all united by a shared vision of excellence, sustainability and growth.

"Over the past years, Ethiopia's hortiflora sector has demonstrated resilience, adaptability and strong performance, positioning the country as a competitive and reliable player in the international floriculture market," Mequanint said.

According to the association, the sector employs around 200,000 Ethiopians, predominantly women and youth, contributing significantly to rural employment, income generation, poverty reduction and skills development.

Horticulture is Ethiopia's second-largest foreign exchange earner in the agricultural sector after coffee, generating about 565 million dollars in export revenue during the previous fiscal year, which ended on July 8, 2025.

The three-day event offers platforms for business matching, along with high-level forums covering topics such as consumer trends, food safety, sustainable finance and market trends in fruits and vegetables, among others.

Exhibits are on display during the 10th edition of the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 24, 2026. The 10th edition of the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair kicked off on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, with a call to boost the export of horticultural products. (Photo: Xinhua)

Sofia Kassa, state minister for agricultural investment and input sector of the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, attends the opening ceremony of the 10th edition of the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 24, 2026. The 10th edition of the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair kicked off on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, with a call to boost the export of horticultural products. (Photo: Xinhua)