Ethiopia eyes cold chain expansion to boost horticulture sector

ETHIOPIA – A key meeting in Addis Ababa has brought new momentum to Ethiopia’s cold chain logistics sector, with government and horticulture leaders agreeing to fast-track investment and coordination.

Held at the Hilton Hotel, the high-level gathering was organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics in partnership with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA).

In his opening address, State Minister Dhenge Boru highlighted the urgent need for improved cold chain infrastructure and invited horticulture farms to take the lead.

“There are great opportunities for investment in cold chain services across the country,” said Mr. Boru. “The government is ready to support any company or group willing to engage in this area.”

Calls for land and financing support

Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of EHPEA, presented findings on the current state of cold chain services in Ethiopia. He emphasized the need for a more efficient system, especially for perishable goods.

“Without smart agro-logistics, the horticulture industry cannot be competitive or reach its full potential,” he stated.

Farmers at the meeting voiced concerns about delays in land allocation, which they say slow down their expansion and limit their ability to invest in cold storage and transport. They also cited limited access to finance as a key barrier to scaling up operations.

At the end of the session, attendees agreed to create a platform that brings together both public and private stakeholders.

The goal is to identify practical solutions and improve cold chain systems not just in horticulture, but also in the dairy and pharmaceutical industries.

Some EHPEA members shared plans to begin investing in cold chain and logistics services. According to Mr. Tewodros, these early moves could set the stage for broader change across the supply chain.

Federal officials visit Joytech facility

On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Dhenge Boru and Abdulber Shemsu, Director General of the Ethiopian Maritime Affairs Authority, toured the facilities of Joytech, a leading horticulture firm known for its high-tech operations.

The officials visited the company’s tissue culture lab, nursery sites, export farm fields, and cold storage warehouse. They expressed strong support for Joytech’s use of technology to keep products fresh and ensure traceability across the supply chain.

“We are pleased with what we’ve seen,” said Mr. Boru. “Joytech shows what’s possible when companies commit to innovation in agriculture and logistics.”

Joytech, which operates on 100 hectares across two farms in Oromia, has committed to expanding its cold chain services to better serve both commercial growers and smallholder farmers.

The company employs over 1,400 workers, 75 percent of whom are women, and provides jobs for more than 150 university graduates.

The Ministry has pledged to support companies like Joytech that are working to improve cold chain logistics and provide safe, fresh food for local and export markets.

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