Ethiopia launches Horti-Campus to strengthen skills in horticulture sector

ETHIOPIA – The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) has launched a new online learning platform, ‘Horti-Campus’, to improve training and raise industry standards across the country’s growing horticulture sector.

The launch event, held at the Haile Grand Hotel in Addis Ababa, brought together key partners including TradeMark Africa (TMA), who supported the platform’s development.

Horti-Campus is set to deliver practical training to farmers, agronomists, and other professionals across the horticulture value chain.

With limited access to formal training outside urban areas, many workers in the sector struggle to keep up with changing market demands. Horti-Campus is designed to fix this problem by offering flexible, on-demand courses.

It includes modules on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), export procedures, post-harvest handling, occupational safety, and environmental care.

The self-paced courses are accessible even in rural areas and include real-time tests to track progress.

“We wanted a system that reaches everyone, from farm scouts to technical managers, wherever they are,” said EHPEA Executive Director Tewodros Zewdie. “With this tool, we expect better farm productivity and better compliance with local and international standards.”

TradeMark Africa provided technical support for the platform. A representative from TMA noted that the platform reflects a shared goal to support Ethiopia’s competitiveness in global markets by strengthening its workforce.

Horti-Campus adds to EHPEA’s broader efforts to build a skilled workforce. Since 2021, the association has operated a certified training center that supports youth, farm managers, and others in the sector. The training institute has become a key part of EHPEA’s work.

EHPEA also runs a national Code of Practice that guides farms on best practices. The Code, introduced in 2007, has helped train nearly 50,000 workers in key areas like worker safety and environmental care.

“Our goal has always been to support sustainable practices and make sure Ethiopian farms are ready for export markets,” said Mr. Zewdie.

Cold chain growth also gathers pace

Just days before the Horti-Campus launch, government and industry leaders met to discuss another pressing issue, cold chain logistics. A key meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa focused on how to improve storage and transport systems for fresh produce.

State Minister Dhenge Boru stressed the need for urgent action. “There are great opportunities for investment in cold chain services across the country,” he said. “The government is ready to support any company or group willing to engage in this area.”

Mr. Zewdie, who also spoke at the cold chain event, shared research that showed how weak logistics affect exports. “Without smart agro-logistics, the horticulture industry cannot be competitive or reach its full potential,” he said.

Both developments point to a stronger future for Ethiopia’s horticulture sector, through better training and improved infrastructure.

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