A consultative workshop held in Adama on December 31, 2024, marked a significant step forward in the development of the COMESA East Africa Horticulture Accelerator (CEHA) Roadmap for Ethiopia.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for government officials and key stakeholders in the horticulture sector to contribute to the refinement of the draft roadmap.

The CEHA national chapters will play a crucial role in amplifying stakeholder voices and driving local impact on sustainability and competitiveness. Mr. Tewodros Zewide, Executive Director of EHPEA, highlighted the roadmap’s objective to “harmonize policies and enhance free trade activities,” guided by the CEHA principle of being private-sector-led, public-sector-enabled, and donor-catalyzed.

H.E. Dr. Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the platform’s support for Ethiopia’s efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable horticulture sector, fostering national, regional, and international food trade through effective collaboration, particularly within COMESA member countries in East Africa.