In a significant stride toward bolstering one of the nation’s most vibrant and high-potential sectors, the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), recently hosted a pivotal Consultative Meeting on the Horticulture Export Subsector. The gathering served as a critical platform to foster deep dialogue, enhance coordination, and forge joint strategies to amplify the global competitiveness of Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding horticulture industry, often referred to as its “green gold.”
Convergence of Key Stakeholders:
The event successfully convened a diverse and influential group of key stakeholders, including high-level government representatives, EHPEA member farms, esteemed development partners, and leading sector experts. Discussions were centered on major policy and operational issues directly impacting the export performance of high-value crops such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, cuttings and seed, a sector recognized as one of Ethiopia’s most dynamic and fastest-growing sources of foreign exchange.
Setting Aspiring Targets and Collaboration:
The session was opened by H.E. Addis Arega, Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, who emphatically underscored the indispensable nature of public–private collaboration to sustain the industry’s impressive growth trajectory. He stressed the need to enhance market access and significantly improve the enabling business environment for exporters. He also highlighted the government’s vision, announcing that the ministry’s horticulture export target for the current fiscal year is $700 million USD. Achieving this milestone, he noted, necessitates a systematic, collaborative approach to tackle sectoral challenges one by one, working in lockstep with investors to enhance the overall business climate.
Addressing Bottlenecks and Unlocking Potential:
Mr. Tewodros Zewde, EHPEA Executive Director, presented a comprehensive overview of the sector’s challenges and opportunities. His agenda illuminated a range of critical action points that demand immediate and coordinated attention. Key discussion points included:
• Finance & Investment: Improving access to finance and addressing land lease issues for long-term investment.
• Operational Efficiency: Tackling hurdles related to electric power supply, input material acquisition, and the promotion of a duty-free privilege for seed companies.
• Structural Development: Advancing consolidation implementation and enhancing the out-grower scheme to integrate smallholders.
• Export Logistics & Customs: Streamlining procedures and addressing bottlenecks in the vital supply chain.
• International Compliance: Strengthening adherence to global phytosanitary and quality standards to ensure market access.
• Sustainability & Biosecurity: Promoting sustainable production and environmental management practices and coordinating national efforts to prevent and control destructive pests, notably the False Codling Moth (FCM).
Commitment to Evidence-Based Policy:
Throughout the meeting, participants offered practical insights and actionable recommendations, collectively emphasizing the vital necessity for continuous, transparent dialogue between the private sector and policymakers. This sustained engagement is seen as essential to guarantee evidence-based decision-making that truly reflects the realities and needs of the industry.
Closing the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture reaffirmed the Ministry’s staunch commitment to supporting the creation of an enabling policy and regulatory environment designed to boost Ethiopia’s overall export competitiveness. Likewise, Ato. Nega Mequanent, Chairman of the EHPEA, reiterated the association’s unwavering dedication to advocating for the horticulture industry’s development priorities by strategically aligning them with the national economic agenda.
Both institutions stand united in their shared objective: to reinforce Ethiopia’s position not only as a leading horticultural exporter on the global stage but also as a shining model for sustainable agribusiness in Africa.
