Ethiopia’s Horticulture Exports Generate $288 Million Amid Ongoing Challenges
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — In a report released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia has achieved significant success in its horticulture exports, generating $288.48 million within the first seven months of the current fiscal year. During this period, the country exported over 160,000 tons of various horticultural products, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, marking 70.9 percent of its anticipated target for the timeframe.
At a recent consultative meeting involving government representatives, local entrepreneurs, and foreign investors, the Ministry assessed the sector’s performance and the hurdles it continues to face. Minister of Agriculture, Addisu Arega, emphasized the potential of horticulture as a critical export commodity, alongside the nation’s renowned coffee sector, in fueling Ethiopia’s economy and enhancing its foreign exchange reserves.
“The government remains dedicated to resolving the barriers that impede investors and supports them in maximizing their operational potential,” Arega stated. He underscored ongoing efforts to boost private sector involvement and improve overall productivity within the industry. Moreover, he urged investors to utilize their allocated land effectively, stressing the importance of avoiding idle land that could otherwise contribute to agricultural growth.
Despite the promising export figures, stakeholders expressed ongoing concerns about essential infrastructure, logistics constraints, and challenges related to land supply management. They highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to maintain and accelerate growth in this vital sector.
Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association, stressed the organization’s commitment to advocacy, capacity building, and promoting sustainability within the industry. “We are focused on enhancing the competitiveness of our members and ensuring sustainable growth through practical and innovative solutions,” Zewdie remarked.
Discussions at the meeting further underscored the growing significance of horticulture in Ethiopia’s export landscape, illustrating the need for coordinated strategies to meet annual targets. However, the sector has not been without its challenges. In recent years, Ethiopia’s horticulture industry has faced rising difficulties tied largely to security concerns in various regions of the country.
In a striking example, German horticultural firm Selecta One made the difficult decision to relocate its operations from Ethiopia’s Amhara region to Kenya and Uganda in March 2025. The decision followed a prolonged period of logistical disruptions and was influenced by what the company described as an unstable political situation leading to a tense military environment.
The closure of the firm’s site in Kunzila, located in the North Achefer district, resulted in the loss of over 1,000 jobs, underscoring the human cost of the challenges faced. “The closure has been a difficult but necessary choice, as we could not address the significant logistical challenges under the current conditions, despite our best efforts,” the company stated. “Most importantly, ensuring the safety of our employees could not be guaranteed.”
As Ethiopia’s horticulture sector strives to overcome these challenges, it holds great potential for future growth. The government, alongside industry stakeholders, is actively seeking solutions and improvements to navigate the hurdles that currently constrain the sector.
With the strategic emphasis on bolstering exports, enhancing infrastructure, and ensuring investor safety, Ethiopia remains focused on establishing horticulture as a key driver of its economic resilience.
— Reported by Nexio News
