The Ethiopian Horticultural Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA) has urged the government to adopt a research-based approach to land acquisition to address critical challenges in the horticultural sector. The call was made during the 9th HortiFlora Expo 2025, held at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa from April 1–3, 2025.
The expo, a premier international horticulture trade fair, brought together industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss opportunities and challenges in Ethiopia’s growing horticulture industry.
Speaking at the event, Tewdros Zewde, Executive Director of EHPEA, emphasized that land scarcity remains one of the biggest hurdles for investors in the sector. “There must be a research-based perspective to solve land problems,” Tewdros stated. He explained that identifying lands suitable for horticulture through research would streamline the process for investors and create a more favorable business environment.
In addition to land issues, EHPEA highlighted agro-logistics as another critical challenge. The lack of adequate warehouses and reefer containers equipped with refrigeration has significantly limited Ethiopia’s ability to export horticultural products efficiently. Tewdros cited a stark comparison: while Kenya exported 7,000 reefer containers through Maersk, only 40 containers were exported from Ethiopia during the same period.
The HortiFlora Expo 2025 spans over 10,000 square meters and features participants from various sectors, including logistics providers, input suppliers, buyers, and standard service providers. The event aims to showcase Ethiopia’s potential as a leading horticulture exporter while promoting sustainability and innovation in the industry.
Ethiopia ranks among the world’s top five flower exporters and has created over 200,000 direct jobs in the horticulture sector. The expo serves as a strategic platform to attract investment and strengthen international cooperation in this vital industry.
Industry experts believe that adopting EHPEA’s recommendation for research-based land acquisition could transform Ethiopia’s horticultural landscape. Such an approach would not only encourage investment but also boost foreign exchange earnings and enhance food security.
