Ethiopia launches COMESA EAC horticulture accelerator program

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia has officially launched the COMESA EAC Horticulture Accelerator Ethiopia National Chapter, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s horticulture sector, particularly in potatoes, onions, and avocados.

The launch event, held in Addis Ababa, brought together key players from the horticulture industry, government officials, and development partners dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in this vital agricultural sub-sector.

The event was attended by high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA-COMESA).

Development partners from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) were also present, each pledging their support for the initiative.

“This initiative is a crucial step toward realizing the untapped potential of our horticulture sector. By focusing on key crops such as potatoes, onions, and avocados, we aim to boost productivity and market access,” said a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture during the launch event.

Alongside the launch of the horticulture accelerator, the Ministry of Agriculture also hosted a National Agricultural Investment Forum at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa.

The forum, designed to showcase Ethiopia’s agricultural investment potential, attracted over 130 exhibitors and offered a platform for business development and networking.

High-level government officials took the opportunity to present the various investment facilitation measures and incentives available to encourage private sector involvement.

The forum highlighted the strategic role of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) in organizing the event and supporting its member farms.

One of the forum’s attendees, a local investor, shared, “The event provided valuable insights into the investment opportunities within Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. It’s an excellent platform for connecting with potential partners and expanding our operations.”