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The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Event News

IFTEX 2026 marks the 13th edition of the International Flower Trade Exhibition and continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most important business focused floriculture events in the world.

Set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, the exhibition will be held from June 2 to June 4, 2026, at the Visa Oshwal Centre in Ring Road Parklands. Organised by HPP Worldwide, the event brings together the global flower trade under one roof and places East Africa firmly on the international floriculture map.

Designed exclusively for industry professionals, IFTEX 2026 is a trade only exhibition that welcomes growers, breeders, exporters, logistics providers and international buyers from across the globe. Entry is restricted to qualified visitors aged 18 years and above, ensuring a professional environment where meaningful business discussions and long term partnerships can flourish. The exhibition provides a focused platform for networking, sourcing new products and exploring opportunities within the fast growing global flower market.

The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with an official opening ceremony scheduled from 09:00 to 11:00 hrs, followed by exhibition hours running until 18:00 hrs. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the exhibition continues from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs and concludes with the official exhibition party from 18:30 to 23:00 hrs, offering a relaxed setting for industry networking. The final day, Thursday, June 4, 2026, runs from 10:00 to 16:00 hrs, allowing visitors to finalise meetings and business deals.

IFTEX has consistently positioned itself as a central global platform for the floriculture industry, attracting international participation and supporting large scale trade connections. While previous editions such as 2025 highlight the event’s growth, the confirmed dates and format underline the importance of IFTEX 2026 as a key calendar event.

For floriculture professionals seeking access to global markets, innovative flower varieties and valuable industry connections, IFTEX 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with the heart of the international flower trade.

Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector.

Livestock

Rwanda is taking a significant step in modernising its livestock sector with the arrival of the first batch of 10 high-genetic-potential Holstein-Friesian dairy bulls imported from Germany.

This initiative is designed to strengthen breeding programmes and accelerate improvements in both dairy and beef herds. A second shipment of 20 bulls is expected by April 2026, featuring additional dairy breeds including Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Brown Swiss, alongside top beef breeds such as Angus and Charolais.

These elite bulls will be central to Rwanda’s national bovine artificial insemination (AI) programme, producing high-quality semen distributed nationwide to enhance cattle genetics. By providing farmers with superior semen rather than requiring the purchase of costly breeding animals, the initiative aims to increase productivity, improve herd health, and raise milk yields significantly above those of many local breeds.

The project forms part of Phase II of the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP-2), a US $100 million programme funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and running from 2024 to 2029. RDDP-2 aims to modernise Rwanda’s dairy value chain, raise milk quality standards, and boost overall sector productivity.

Rwanda’s efforts to improve livestock genetics trace back to the “One Cow per Poor Family” (Girinka) programme launched in 2006, which introduced improved dairy breeds to rural households. Since then, structured crossbreeding, artificial insemination, and veterinary support initiatives have led to notable gains in national milk and meat production, though authorities emphasise that expansion remains crucial to meet targets outlined in the country’s Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation.

By integrating high-genetic bulls and modern AI techniques, Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector, supporting farmers while contributing to the country’s broader agricultural development goals.

Ethiopia is reshaping its wheat farming landscape.

Agriculture

The African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, has applauded Ethiopia’s rise as a wheat exporter, describing it as a defining achievement not only for the country but for Africa as a whole.

Moses Vilakati, said, “We have realized where Ethiopia started and where they are right now — up to an extent where they are now exporting wheat. That’s a milestone, and we are very, very grateful.”

His remarks highlight how far Ethiopia has come in reshaping its agricultural landscape. Once heavily dependent on wheat imports, the country has invested in expanding domestic production, improving farming practices and embracing modern systems that support higher yields and greater resilience.

Vilakati also praised Ethiopia’s wider development agenda, pointing to its commitment to agricultural modernisation and digital transformation. He noted that the country’s progress shows what can be achieved when innovation aligns with clear policy direction and strong political will. For many African nations facing similar food security challenges, Ethiopia’s example offers a practical and encouraging model.

Vilakati stressed that digital tools are changing the way farming works across the continent. Farmers are gaining better access to timely information, improved climate data and smarter decision making systems that help them respond to changing conditions.

The AU Digital Agriculture Strategy 2024–2030 provides the continental roadmap for expanding such tools across agricultural value chains. Digital advisory platforms, climate information services and online marketplaces are already opening new opportunities, particularly for young people seeking to build careers in agriculture.

Following the inaugural AU Digital Agriculture Conference, the African Union Commission renewed its commitment to embedding digital innovation within Africa’s farming systems. As preparations begin for the 2027 review cycle, Vilakati urged member states to turn strategy into action and follow Ethiopia’s lead in pursuing food self sufficiency.

Understanding the shifting landscape of global agriculture.

Technology

Global agriculture continues to expand, yet the agricultural machinery market is navigating a period of turbulence.

Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies are reshaping where and how farm equipment is bought and sold. This evolving landscape was outlined during the press conference launching the 47th edition of EIMA International, the world’s leading exhibition for agricultural technologies, set to take place in Bologna from 10 to 14 November.

Mariateresa Maschio, FederUnacoma President, said, “Protectionist policies in some countries, economic sanctions, interference with trade routes, and tariff wars have led to market fragmentation and a sharp slowdown in trade which is weighing on the performance of the agromechanical sector.”

Traditional markets are feeling the strain. The United States recorded a 10 percent fall in tractor sales in 2025, while Germany, France and the United Kingdom also posted double digit declines. In contrast, southern Europe is showing renewed momentum. Italy and Spain both closed the year with strong growth, signalling cautious optimism within the European agricultural machinery industry.

India remains the standout performer. With tractor sales exceeding 1.1 million units, the country continues to dominate the global market. According to Maschio, this growth reflects deeper structural demand rather than a short term spike. “Over the past fifteen years, output in the primary sector has grown significantly,” said Mariateresa Maschio, “but to meet the needs of the world’s population it will have to grow by a further 14% by 2034, especially in India and in those countries of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East that are experiencing the highest demographic growth.”

A new geography of agricultural production is emerging, driven by mechanisation, digital farming solutions and expanding demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly increasing their presence across these regions and even gaining ground in Europe.

“In the coming years we will have a highly segmented agromechanical sector, with low-cost basic technologies alongside highly advanced technologies for complex operations,” added Mariateresa Maschio, underlining the importance of innovation, policy support and international cooperation as the sector looks ahead.