EHPEA drives growth of Ethiopia’s flower industry and sets stage for HortiFlora Expo 2026

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia’s floriculture industry has grown from a small sector in the early 2000s to one of the country’s top export earners, and the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association has played a key role in that progress.

Cut flowers now generate more than US$540 million each year. Farms employ between 183,000 and 200,000 workers, and women account for more than 80 percent of the workforce.

Production expanded from about 40 hectares in 2004 to over 1,400 hectares by 2012, with farms concentrated around Addis Ababa, Batu and Hawassa.

In an interview with THURSD, Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of EHPEA, said the sector has changed rural towns. “Floriculture has created stable jobs for young people and women who once relied on informal work. Today, the sector supports families and local businesses across the country,” he said.

Flower farms provide work in greenhouses, packhouses, quality control and farm management. Regular wages help workers cover rent, school fees and health care.

EHPEA and its partners have trained more than 45,000 women and 7,000 men on gender rights, health and workplace safety. Many women now serve as supervisors and committee members on farms.

“When women earn income and gain skills, families benefit,” Zewdie said. “We see more women taking leadership roles each year.”

EHPEA enforces a Code of Practice certification system at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The standards address worker safety, fair pay, maternity rights and environmental management.

Farms have also invested in water treatment plants and biological pest control to reduce chemical use, while national authorities carry out regular inspections.

HortiFlora Expo 2026

EHPEA now works with HPP Worldwide to prepare for HortiFlora Expo 2026, which will take place from 24 to 26 March at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa. More than 100 exhibitors have already registered, and organizers expect over 150 companies to take part.

The expo will host business meetings, panel talks and forums covering food safety, logistics, finance, market trends and gender issues. EHPEA says the event will connect growers, buyers and investors from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

“HortiFlora Expo 2026 will strengthen trade links and create real business opportunities for our growers,” Zewdie said. “We invite the world to see what Ethiopia offers.”

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.