HortiFlora Ethiopia 2026 is set to return with even greater momentum, reflecting the rising global interest in Ethiopia’s flourishing horticulture and floriculture industry.

With its transition from a biennial format to an annual international trade show, the event aims to strengthen global connectivity, boost export opportunities, and further position Ethiopia as a leading producer of flowers, fruits, and vegetables on the world stage.

The venue for this major international event will be the Addis International Convention Center (AICC), located in Lemi Kura Sub City, Woreda 13, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—an accessible and modern hub for global business gatherings.

Organised by HPP Worldwide, the highly respected global exhibition organiser, HortiFlora Ethiopia has grown remarkably over the past two decades, supported by the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA). Reflecting on the notable success of the 2025 edition, Dick Van Raamsdonk of HPP Worldwide shared:
“Given the increasing international interest and significance of the event, HortiFlora will now have a transition from a biennial trade show to an annual one.”

The 2025 edition, held from April 1–3, achieved outstanding results with a record 140 exhibitors, elegantly designed stands, and strong visitor turnout. Van Raamsdonk added, “It was a highly successful event, featuring a record-breaking 140 exhibitors, stunning stands, and a consistent flow of visitors, including a strong international presence, particularly from the Middle East.”

A key highlight this year was the expanded product showcase. “The inclusion of fruit and vegetable growers alongside the traditional floral exhibitors significantly expanded the event’s scope,” Van Raamsdonk explained. This diversification underscores Ethiopia’s growing export potential in fresh produce, making the exhibition a comprehensive platform for the entire horticultural value chain.

The decision to transition HortiFlora Ethiopia into an annual gathering reflects the sector’s increasing importance. Van Raamsdonk emphasised that more frequent engagement is vital to support innovation, strengthen trade relationships, and accelerate industry growth. He stated, “With Ethiopia’s rising production of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables, an annual event will further strengthen the country’s export potential, stimulate its economy, and foster continued growth in the horticultural sector’s employment.”

HortiFlora Ethiopia 2026 promises to offer global exhibitors and buyers an unmatched platform for networking, market insights, product showcases, and business expansion.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is scaling up strategic efforts to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector by placing women and youths at the centre of sustainability, innovation and value-chain competitiveness.

This policy direction was underscored at the Capacity Building Workshop for Women and Youths in the Livestock Value Chain, held in Abuja from Monday, December 29 to Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Addressing participants at the workshop, the Director, Technical, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Peter Alike, emphasised that the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock industry depends on the deliberate integration of sustainable and innovative practices across production, processing and marketing. He noted that adopting this approach is vital for unlocking the sector’s economic potential, strengthening food security and driving inclusive economic growth.

Peter explained that equipping women and youths with relevant skills and technical knowledge remains a core priority of the Ministry, given their growing influence in agribusiness development and rural livelihoods. According to him, the capacity-building initiative is designed as a continuous, hands-on programme focused on practical solutions that participants can immediately deploy within their farms and livestock enterprises.

He added that the training strongly promotes mindset change, actionable expertise and long-term competence development, with an emphasis on environmentally responsible and economically viable livestock systems. Peter further stated that the strategic importance of women and youths informed their recognition as a priority group under the ten pillars of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), the Ministry’s flagship framework for comprehensive sector reform.

Speaking on sustainable livestock production, animal scientist  Ifeanyi Harry Njoagwuani described sustainability as a science-based and management-driven process. He highlighted climate-resilient breeds, improved genetics, precision nutrition through optimised feed formulations and climate-smart housing systems as essential tools for building resilient livestock systems.

In another session, Ayoade Akande stressed the importance of biogas production in sustainable livestock development. He called for strengthened extension services, increased private sector investment in modern feed technologies, expanded forage seed distribution networks and supportive policy frameworks to enhance sustainable ruminant nutrition.

In his closing remarks, the Director of Livestock Extension and Business Development, Joseph Ako Eleojo, urged participants to form cooperative alliances and act as change agents within their communities, noting that women and youths were deliberately targeted for their capacity to drive innovation, productivity and sustainability.

A major highlight of the two-day workshop was a study visit to De-Dre Solution Poultry Farm in Pasali 2, Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory. With a capacity of 24,800 birds and daily output of about 650 crates of eggs, the facility offered participants valuable insights into efficient and sustainable poultry production. Participants were drawn from poultry and ruminant enterprises across several states of the federation.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe and with financial backing from the French Government, has rolled out an innovative Agricultural Voucher System under the Nourish and Thrive: Inclusive and Sustainable Nutrition and Livelihoods Initiative.

The programme is designed to boost food security, improve nutrition, and build long-term community resilience in some of Zimbabwe’s most climate-vulnerable regions. It specifically addresses the pressing challenges faced by communities in the Masvingo and Mwenezi districts, which have been severely affected by climate variability, including El Niño-induced drought conditions that continue to disrupt agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

At the heart of the initiative is a voucher-based approach that provides subsidised agricultural input packages to vulnerable rural households. Through this system, farmers are able to access high-quality, drought-tolerant seeds and essential farming resources from local suppliers. By empowering beneficiaries to select and redeem inputs within their communities, the programme supports timely crop production while strengthening local markets. This approach enables households to grow nutritious food, enhance soil health, and adapt more effectively to climate shocks. Overall, the initiative reached approximately 4,000 households across targeted wards, encouraging collaboration between local leaders, agro-dealers, and farming communities to drive inclusive agrifood systems transformation.

A key strength of the programme lies in its strong focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). Acknowledging the risks that can arise during humanitarian interventions, FAO prioritised awareness and education for both beneficiaries and partners. Training sessions focused on prevention, reporting mechanisms, and accountability, reinforcing dignity and safety at the community level. As Ruramai Sibiya from World Vision Zimbabwe noted, proactive sharing of information is crucial for cultivating a culture of protection and dignity in programme implementation.

To enhance transparency and efficiency, FAO trained Voucher Redeeming Suppliers (VRS) on the Identification, Delivery and Empowerment Application (IDEA) platform. This digital solution supports beneficiary management, improves accountability, and streamlines voucher redemption. Combined with local leadership engagement and on-site monitoring, the system has strengthened trust and operational effectiveness.

Community feedback reflects improved access to critical farming inputs alongside greater awareness of safeguarding measures. Collectively, the initiative demonstrates how integrated, rights-based interventions can promote sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security, while ensuring safer and more informed communities across rural Zimbabwe.

European spraying innovation has taken a bold leap into the South African agriculture sector with the arrival of Vicar mist blower sprayers, a technology reshaping the way growers manage crop protection.

Developed over 40 years ago by Italian engineer Vincenzo Caroli in collaboration with LTS in Germany, this advanced sprayer design has become synonymous with intelligent airflow, high efficiency, and exceptional coverage. Now imported by Ikapa Trading in Grabouw, Vicar sprayers are fast becoming a favourite among farmers seeking smarter, faster, and more precise spraying solutions.

What sets the Vicar system apart is its pioneering radial turbine technology, which independent consultant Mike Heath who has witnessed decades of machinery evolution believes to be a game-changer. Unlike conventional axial flow sprayers that rely on propeller blades and lose speed as air moves through housings and deflectors, Vicar sprayers use a single turbine resembling a water wheel. This turbine sucks air in from both sides and moves it radially at a 90° angle, producing a consistent, high-velocity air stream.

The uniquely designed cast aluminium housing forces air through calibrated outlets only, resulting in a uniform exit speed of 250km/h to 280km/h at 540 PTO. Crucially, this system achieves optimal spray delivery while requiring up to two to three times less air volume than axial flow designs dramatically improving efficiency.

Vicar sprayers are also fitted with 360° rotating spray heads, each equipped with up to eight nozzles that move with the airflow for precise application. Heath explains that this makes every model adaptable: vineyards, orchards, tree crops, flowers, vegetables and dense plantations can all be targeted with outstanding coverage. The Vicar 540 reaches 12m per side and 25m in height, while the Vicar 450 covers 4m per side and up to 15m high ideal for vineyards and orchards. The 456 model enhances multirow spraying for modern high-density crops.

Vicar’s airflow control technology also allows operators to manipulate spray direction and prevent turbulence. Upper outlets can create an “air ceiling” to keep spray low for young crops, while lower outlets deliver targeted protection. With reduced drift up to 90% less environmental pollution, as tested by the Julius Kühn-Institut—Vicar ranks among the few sprayers meeting Germany’s strict regulations.

Heath adds that the sprayers’ ability to work faster at high air speeds means farmers can double their operational pace compared with axial fan sprayers. “Being able to work faster and spray multiple rows is allowing Vicar clients to substitute at least two conventional sprayers with one Vicar sprayer,” he notes.

Built for stability, especially on hilly terrain, Vicar’s trailed models feature double-axle frames, three-point linkage attachment, adjustable wheels and a short-turn system that improves manoeuvrability. Tanks include clean-water reservoirs for easy flushing, reducing contamination risks and enhancing longevity.

Despite being pricier than traditional sprayers, co-owner Neels Thiart says the machines pay for themselves quickly thanks to superior performance and durability. In Europe, their second-hand value remains exceptionally high: “In Europe you are able to sell one of these sprayers second-hand for almost the same price as you bought it,” he says.

With unmatched penetration, reduced drift, precision airflow and long-term value, Vicar sprayers are proving to be a formidable investment for South African farmers striving for smarter, more sustainable crop protection.