The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), with funding from the European Union (EU) through Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and TradeMark Africa (TMA), has launched a new online Knowledge Management and E-Learning System to support Ethiopia’s fast-growing horticulture industry.
The platform aims to strengthen workforce capacity, improve compliance, and enhance competitiveness across the sector. Designed for over 120 EHPEA member firms exporting flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs, it offers a cost-effective, scalable, and mobile-friendly solution for technical training, compliance education, and real-time knowledge sharing.
Fully managed by EHPEA, the system is tailored to the unique needs of Ethiopia’s horticulture ecosystem. Key features include: Multimedia training modules, Interactive forums, Learning progress tracking and compliance reports, Mobile access for remote users, and built-in analytics and a version-controlled knowledge base
EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E. Sofie From-Emmesberger, highlighted the platform’s role in agile trade and inclusive growth:
“Digital transformation is key to accelerating global trade. This platform is a valuable tool for innovation and economic resilience in Ethiopia.”
AFD Country Director Louis-Antoine Souchet emphasized local ownership and green growth:
“We support initiatives that blend digital innovation with long-term, inclusive development.”
TMA’s Ethiopia Country Director, Ewnetu Chufa, noted:
“This aligns with our goal to foster efficient, sustainable, and equitable African trade.”
EHPEA Executive Director, Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, added:
“By digitising knowledge and training, we’re empowering thousands—especially women and youth—to adapt and thrive in a competitive global market.”
The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to boost Ethiopia’s horticulture sector, which generates approximately $660 million annually, 95% from flower exports, and employs over 200,000 people, 80% of them women.
It also supports the EU’s Global Gateway investments under the “Promoting Regional Economic Integration in the Horn of Africa” project via the Djibouti corridor. The platform includes a two-year technical support window and a post-warranty maintenance plan, with a cap of 15% of the initial contract value per year to ensure sustainability and independence from proprietary software.
Access the platforms:
- eLearning (HortiCampus): Home
- Knowledge Library (KMS): https://hortilibrary.ehpea.org/
