Ethiopia’s flower producers and exporters are urging the government to bolster its support for the industry, citing its growing role in generating foreign exchange and creating job opportunities.
According to Yoseph Abebe, International Marketing and Sales Manager at Qualirosa PLC, the government has already laid important groundwork for the sector by providing facilities such as cold cargo storage to preserve the quality of perishable exports. While acknowledging this progress, Abebe believes there’s room to deepen these efforts to unlock the industry’s full potential.
“The flower industry is a crucial contributor to Ethiopia’s economy, both through foreign currency earnings and employment creation,” said Abebe. “With consistent and expanded government support, its impact can grow even further.”
Qualirosa PLC exports over 65 varieties of flowers to destinations including the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Germany, and the Middle East. The company currently employs more than 750 people and plays a role in easing the country’s foreign currency shortfall.
Abebe also highlighted land scarcity as a significant obstacle to growth. “Securing additional land for flower farms would not only create more jobs but also increase export volumes, improve the foreign exchange rate, and attract new investors to Ethiopia,” he noted.
Kidist Yimer, Ethiopia Representative for Elite Agro LLC, echoed similar sentiments. She praised the government’s role in facilitating cargo flights, particularly around high-demand periods such as Valentine’s Day, and encouraged continued support for the industry’s logistical needs.
Meanwhile, Tigst Gelaw, Marketing Department Team Leader at Rainbow Colors PLC, emphasized the importance of maintaining assistance during challenging times. She pointed to recent flower subsector exhibitions as positive signs of government engagement and called for consistent backing to help the industry navigate obstacles and seize new opportunities.
Rainbow Colors PLC exports flowers to markets in the Middle East, Italy, South Korea, and the Netherlands, while providing employment for over 500 people.
As Ethiopia continues to tackle its foreign currency shortages, flower producers and exporters remain optimistic that with strengthened government collaboration, the sector can deliver even greater benefits to the national economy.
more details at Press.et