Ethiopia’s Horticulture Transformation
A Critical Sector for Economic Diversification
Addis Ababa, August 13/2024 (ENA) – Ethiopia’s rich agricultural heritage and favorable climate make it an ideal hub for horticulture development. As a result, the country is poised to become a key player in regional horticulture transformation, according to Agriculture State Minister Meles Mekonnen. Moreover, the dynamic private sector is driving sustainable growth and economic diversification in the COMESA and East African Community regions.
Launching the COMESA East African Community Horticulture Accelerator Program
Ethiopia’s Horticulture Transformation took a significant leap forward on August 13, 2024. Stakeholders gathered to unveil the COMESA East African Community Horticulture Accelerator Program (CEHA) Ethiopia National Chapter. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to propel sustainable growth in the horticultural sector across Eastern and Southern Africa. Moreover, the program will galvanize the nation’s green industry, zeroing in on three pivotal value chains. Subsequently, the focus will fall on potatoes, avocados, and onions as key drivers of agricultural progress. Consequently, this strategic move promises to revolutionize Ethiopia’s plant cultivation landscape.
The Importance of Horticulture Transformation in COMESA Countries
According to Professor Ali Mohammed, advisor to State Minister Meles, horticulture is a strategic sector for COMESA countries to focus on. It drives economic diversification, food and nutrition security, regional integration, and sustainable development. Thus, the CEHA is instrumental in building the capacity of producers, enhancing quality, and resolving logistic-related challenges.
Accelerating Horticulture Development in Ethiopia
The Ethiopia CEHA national chapter will serve as the central hub to coordinate, catalyze, and accelerate horticulture development in Ethiopia. This chapter will bring together key stakeholders and provide support for micro, small, and medium enterprises in the selected value chains through matching grants and technical assistance. Consequently, it will create employment, increase regional trade, and minimize post-harvest losses.
Reinforcing Commitment to Horticulture Transformation
The launch of the COMESA, East African Community (EAC) Horticulture Accelerator Program (CEHA) Ethiopia National Chapter is critical, according to Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) CEO, John Mukuka. ACTESA is committed to further reinforcing its commitment to accelerating Ethiopia’s horticulture transformation. Moreover, Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie, emphasized that the CEHA Ethiopia national chapter will create opportunities to further elevate the competitiveness of Ethiopian producer exporters in the region and beyond.
Ethiopia’s Horticulture Transformation stands poised to revolutionize African agriculture. The nation’s rich farming legacy, ideal climate, and vibrant private sector converge to create a perfect storm for horticultural leadership. Furthermore, the CEHA Ethiopia National Chapter’s inauguration heralds a pivotal moment in the sector’s evolution. This initiative will unleash the full potential of plant cultivation, fostering sustainable growth across Eastern and Southern Africa. Consequently, COMESA and East African Community regions will reap substantial benefits from this agricultural renaissance. In essence, Ethiopia’s green revolution promises to cultivate prosperity, not only for its citizens but for the entire continent.