Ethiopia, with its rich agricultural heritage, favorable climate and dynamic private sector, is poised to be a key player in regional horticulture transformation, Agriculture State Minister Meles Mekonnen said.

The COMESA East African Community Horticulture Accelerator Program (CEHA) Ethiopia National Chapter was launched today in the presence of various stakeholders.

Addressing the launching program on behalf of State Minister Meles, his advisor Professor Ali Mohammed said horticulture is a strategic sector for COMESA countries to focus on in order to drive economic diversification, food and nutrition security, regional integration and sustainable development.

For the state minister, the CEHA is an exciting new initiative that aims to drive sustainable growth and development in the horticulture sector across the COMESA and East African Community (EAC) regions.

With its rich agricultural heritage, favorable climate and dynamic private sector, Ethiopia is poised to be a key player in this regional horticul
ture transformation, he affirmed.

According to him, that is why the establishment of Ethiopian CEHA national chapter is such a critical milestone.

The Ethiopia CEHA national chapter will serve as the central hub to coordinate, catalyze and accelerate horticulture development in Ethiopia, with particular focus on the three anchor value chains; potato, avocado, and onions, the state minister elaborated.

Accordingly, the chapter will bring together key stakeholders and provide support for micro, small and medium enterprises in these selected value chains through matching grants and technical assistance aiming to create employment, increase regional trade and minimize post-harvest loses.

Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) CEO, John Mukuka noted that the launch of the COMESA, East African Community (EAC) Horticulture Accelerator Program (CEHA) Ethiopia National Chapter is critical.

The CEO affirmed the readiness of ACTESA to further reinforce its commitment in the effort to
accelerate Ethiopia’s horticulture transformation.

Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie pointed out that the national chapter is instrumental in building the capacity of producers, enhancing quality and resolving logistic related challenges.

Stating that the CEHA Ethiopia national chapter will create an opportunity to further elevate the competitiveness of Ethiopian producer exporters, he said efforts will be further reinforced to be more competent in the region and beyond.

During the launching ceremony, Ministry of Agriculture, COMESA ACTESA and Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association signed Memorandum of Understanding to further accelerate the activities undertaken to exploit the huge potential of the sector in the country.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency