Calls to establish a minimum wage for Ethiopia’s floriculture and horticulture industries are gaining momentum, following a high-level workshop organized by Fairtrade Africa (FTA) in Addis Ababa. The event brought together government officials, trade union leaders, and industry representatives to address wage challenges faced by workers in these vital export sectors.
The workshop is part of Fairtrade Africa’s “Donuts-Ethiopian Flowers Project,” which aims to improve the livelihoods and rights of workers on six Fairtrade-certified flower farms across the country. As Ethiopia’s floriculture and horticulture sectors continue to expand, concerns over fair compensation and sustainable working conditions have come to the forefront of national dialogue.
Experts at the workshop unanimously agreed that setting a minimum wage is a critical step toward improving the economic well-being of workers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry. The forum provided a platform for sharing information, best practices, and strategies related to wage determination and living wage initiatives.
“By working together, we can address gaps in workers’ rights and ensure fair working conditions and wages for those in the flower and horticulture industries,” said Meselech Dejene, an expert from the Ministry of Labor and Skills.
Yohanes Abebe, adviser to the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), reiterated the association’s commitment to protecting both workers’ and employers’ rights while attracting long-term investment. He acknowledged that despite Ethiopia’s strong potential in the sector, challenges remain in adopting modern technologies that could boost productivity and, ultimately, wages.
The EHPEA emphasized its goal of achieving sustainable industrial peace and ensuring that employers pay at least the minimum wage, with a broader vision of moving toward a living wage for all workers.
Fairtrade Africa underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration for the future of the floriculture and horticulture sectors, stating, “This workshop is an important step not only for the growth of Ethiopia’s floral and horticulture sector but also for prioritizing the well-being of its employees.”
As a leading advocate for fair trade, Fairtrade Africa supports over one million farmers and workers across 33 countries, promoting systems where marginalized producers receive fair compensation and protection from exploitation.
The recent dialogue marks a significant step toward normalizing fair compensation practices in Ethiopia’s floriculture and horticulture sectors, laying the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable industry that benefits both workers and employers.
