State Minister Agriculture and Horticulture Development Sector, at the Corteva booth during this year’s Hortifllora Expo.
State Minister Agricultural Investment and Input Supply Development Sector, visiting Corteva booth.
The 9th edition of the HortiFlora International Trade Fair concludes today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after taking place from April 1 to 3. This year’s event marks the largest turnout, with 140 exhibitors showcasing Ethiopia’s dynamic horticulture sector. Organized by HPP Exhibitions and the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), the fair has established itself as a premier platform for industry stakeholders, bringing together growers, buyers, and investors from around the world.
While traditionally focused on floriculture, this year’s edition has expanded its scope to feature a broader range of horticultural products, including fruits and vegetables. The growing diversity of Ethiopia’s horticultural exports reflects the sector’s ongoing evolution and increasing significance in the country’s economy.
Ethiopia’s Minister for Agriculture, Girma Amente (PhD), inaugurated the trade fair, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing the business climate for the horticulture sector. Over the past eight months, the industry has generated millions in revenue and created jobs for thousands, with the majority of employees being women.
“For Ethiopia to fully benefit from this sector, we must address bottlenecks and create synergy in the supply chain,” the minister stated.
He noted that the government is implementing policy and sectoral reforms to enhance private sector engagement, prioritize sustainability, and strengthen collaboration with EHPEA and other industry stakeholders.
According to the minister, horticulture remains a labor-intensive sector that not only provides employment but also ensures quality food production and foreign currency earnings.
With Ethiopia’s rapidly growing population and increasing demand for agricultural exports, the sector is expected to play a crucial role in national and continental economic growth.
HPP Exhibitions’ CEO Dick van Raamsdonk expressed pride in the fair’s expansion and success over the past two decades. “The fair has grown alongside the industry itself, adapting to market demands and establishing itself as the premier platform connecting international buyers with Ethiopia’s top growers,” he said. “It’s a true grower-buyer fair that allows buyers to meet multiple suppliers in one place, saving both time and money.”
HortiFlora 2025 has also served as a venue for discussions on key industry topics, including sustainable agricultural practices, smart agro-logistics, EU regulations, global market trends, plant protection, and skill development within the horticulture industry. Panel discussions have addressed challenges such as logistics disruptions and the need for continued modernization.
EHPEA’s Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie, emphasized that the expo is designed to showcase Ethiopia’s booming horticulture sector, attract investment, and foster business development while promoting sustainability and innovation. The resilience of the industry, despite global disruptions, further demonstrates its potential for long-term growth.
EHPEA Chairman Nega Mequanint emphasized that HortiFlora is not just a trade fair but a strategic platform for industry development. He attributed the sector’s growth to government policy support, collaboration within the industry, and the dedication of stakeholders. Ethiopia’s horticulture industry is now one of the country’s top three foreign exchange earners, providing jobs and supporting agro-industrial parks and processing industries.
With Ethiopia’s horticulture sector continuing to expand, HortiFlora remains a critical event for strengthening international connections, showcasing industry advancements, and driving the future of the country’s floriculture and horticulture exports.
