Ethiopia launches digital ePhyto system to streamline horticultural exports

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia has introduced an electronic phytosanitary certification platform designed to improve compliance and traceability in its horticultural exports.

The Integrated Export and Import Certification System (IEICS) – e-Phyto Project – was launched this week in Addis Ababa with funding from the European Union and TradeMark Africa.

The digital system is expected to shorten certification times from several days to just a few hours while ensuring full traceability during the export process. It also removes costs related to lost or forged documents, corruption, and manual certificate transfers. Officials say the platform will be available nationwide within a month.

The horticultural sector, especially flower exports, has recently faced tighter inspections due to the False Coddling Moth (FCM), a pest listed by the European Union as a quarantine threat. Exporters often describe compliance procedures as a major barrier to accessing markets consistently.

Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), said the shift to digital certification marks a critical step forward.

“A digital system saves both time and resources for the private sector,” he told Shega. “Scaling up the ePhyto system will allow Ethiopia to fully leverage its agroecological potential.”

Ethiopia’s horticultural exports brought in about US$564.9 million during the 2024/25 fiscal year, with more than half of flower exports heading to European markets. TradeMark Africa recently signed an agreement with the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) worth about US$157,000 (9 million Birr) to support the platform’s development.

Strengthening biosecurity and market access

EAA Director General Driba Kuma said the move ensures Ethiopia remains aligned with international phytosanitary standards. “Challenges posed by cross-border pests are becoming an imminent risk,” he explained.

“Stringent biosecurity procedures are essential.” Driba added that continued cooperation in technical support, data exchange, and standard-setting is vital for controlling biosafety threats.

The e-Phyto platform was presented at the Sheraton Addis during an event organized by EHPEA. The project follows guidelines from the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and reinforces Ethiopia’s commitment to global biosecurity standards.

EAA Deputy Director Wondale Habtamu (PhD) noted that Ethiopia has been a member of the IPPC since 1971, following biosafety measures practiced by 188 countries. “Our exports can obtain international credibility regarding safety,” he said.

Wondale added that the system provides safeguards against pest adaptation in trade routes, referencing the FCM case. While the pest poses little risk in Ethiopia, it can damage over 100 plant species in European environments.

This digital step comes as several African nations move toward modernizing agricultural trade systems. Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda have recently introduced similar digital certification frameworks to meet international market demands. Experts say Ethiopia’s approach could strengthen regional cooperation in plant health management and improve competitiveness across the continent.

The ePhyto project marks a major stride toward a more efficient, transparent, and credible export process for Ethiopian horticulture.

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