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HortiFlora is transitioning from a biennial to an annual event. (Image credit: HotiFlora)

Following the success of its 2025 edition, HortiFlora is transitioning from a biennial to an annual event

The decision reflects the growing international interest and expanding role of Ethiopia in the global horticultural industry. According to Dick Van Raamsdonk of HPP Worldwide, “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.”

This year’s trade show, held in Addis Ababa from April 1st to 3rd, saw a record turnout and a noticeable international presence, especially from the Middle East. Van Raamsdonk expressed his satisfaction, saying, “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.”

For the first time, the event showcased not just flowers but also fruits and vegetables, which marked a significant development for the show. “The inclusion of fruit and vegetable growers alongside the traditional floral exhibitors significantly expanded the event’s scope.” This broader focus reflects the growing importance of Ethiopia’s horticultural sector, which now includes a wide variety of fresh produce.

The move to an annual schedule is expected to benefit the industry in several ways. As Van Raamsdonk said, “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.”

Organised in close cooperation with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), HortiFlora has seen steady growth over the past 20 years. The next edition is already set for March 24-26, 2026, again in Addis Ababa, and is expected to attract even more participants as the show continues to gain traction globally.

By becoming an annual event, HortiFlora is positioning itself as a key platform for international trade, innovation, and collaboration in one of Africa’s fastest-growing agricultural sectors.

7th International Agrofood Ghana 2025. (Image credit: Agrofood Ghana)

Agrofood Ghana is set to host its 7th International Trade Show in Accra from 28‑30 October 2025 at the AICC – Grand Arena

It is a major event in Ghana and West Africa’s agro‑food sector, bringing together exhibitors, buyers, trade visitors, and institutional partners to explore business, innovation, and investment opportunities. The theme centres on boosting trade within Ghana and the broader West African region.

The event covers the full food/agriculture value chain—from “field to fork.” Exhibitors are displaying everything: agricultural machinery, tractors, harvesting and feeding equipment, grain storage, irrigation, livestock and poultry breeding, milk processing, milling, food & beverage processing, packaging, refrigeration, waste & water treatment, food safety tech, and more. Technologies for snacks, dairy, and bakery are also included.

Support for Agrofood Ghana comes from both national and international bodies. Locally, government ministries such as the Ministry of Food & Agriculture, Trade & Industry, Environment, Science & Innovation, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Food & Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG), and others are involved. International partners and delegates include European associations, foreign embassies, trade agencies, and business councils.

The trade show also features a conference programme, roundtables, special themes, and the Africa Agribusiness Excellence and Leadership Awards. These sessions aim to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and highlight innovations and trends in the agro‑food sector.

Agrofood Ghana also offers serious networking opportunities. Attendees will meet buyers from across Ghana and West Africa, explore new products, discover technologies, and form partnerships that can boost trade and investment in agriculture and food technology.

Leverage agri-tech for smallholder farmers. (image credit: African Agri Investment Indaba)

The G20’s Agriculture Working Group has highlighted the urgent need for food security through sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and regional trade-aligning with Africa’s push towards food self-sufficiency

With growing food crises, disrupted supply chains, and climate volatility, Africa must adapt its agricultural future, making local production and resilience top priorities.

The African Agri Investment Indaba 2025, scheduled for November 23-26 in Cape Town, will tackle this challenge under the theme "The New World Order: A Self-Sufficient Africa." The event will focus on how investment, innovation, and policy reforms can create sustainable food systems. Climate change, such as the recent El Niño that impacted Southern Africa's maize production, underscores the need for drought-resistant crops and improved water management. In response, many South African farms and others across the continent are investing in irrigation and adopting climate-smart strategies.

Susan Payne, Board Member of the African Agri Council, said, "Funding will become more challenging as most food production in Africa is undertaken by smallholder farmers, who are financially excluded by funders." Agri-tech innovations are transforming the sector, with platforms like Hello Tractor connecting smallholder farmers to mechanisation services via IoT, while South Africa leads in AI-driven precision agriculture.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is vital for intra-African trade, boosting food security by reducing imports and enhancing market connectivity. However, challenges persist, including livestock disease outbreaks, which necessitate stronger biosecurity measures. Governments and private sectors are investing in disease control and resilient systems.

“Collectives and co-operatives are key to attracting financing for smallholder farmers,” Payne added. The Agri Investment Indaba 2025 will explore how collaboration between investors, policymakers, and agribusinesses can shape a self-sufficient Africa, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and solutions needed to accelerate progress.

This significant event will focus on sustainable water use in agriculture.

The 6th International RISE SWC Conference, hosted by the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Irrigation (APNI), is set to take place in 2025

This significant event will focus on sustainable water use in agriculture, bringing together experts, researchers, and professionals from across the globe to discuss pressing issues around water scarcity and the adoption of efficient irrigation practices. The conference aims to explore and share innovative solutions that address these challenges in the agriculture sector.

The event will dive deep into topics such as water-efficient irrigation technologies, climate change impacts on water resources, smart irrigation systems, and the development of effective policies for sustainable water management. Attendees will be able to participate in technical workshops, attend panel discussions, and review real-world case studies that showcase successful water management practices from different regions. This will provide a platform for professionals from academia, government, NGOs, and the agriculture industry to connect, share knowledge, and exchange ideas.

A highlight of the conference will be its diverse set of speakers, offering insights on the latest trends and innovations in water management technologies and policy development. It also includes a Call for Papers, inviting researchers to contribute their findings and perspectives on sustainable water management and irrigation practices. The conference aims to foster collaboration, ensuring that key stakeholders from various sectors can engage with cutting-edge solutions to improve water efficiency and support sustainable agricultural practices.

In essence, the 6th International RISE SWC Conference offers an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage with experts, explore the latest technologies, and learn about practical solutions that promote sustainable water use in agriculture. It’s an essential gathering for anyone involved in water management, agriculture, and sustainability, as it tackles the pressing need for smarter, more efficient irrigation systems to cope with global water challenges.

The event takes place from 25-27 November 2025. (Image source: VIV MEA 2025)

Visitor registration is now open for VIV MEA 2025, the region’s leading trade exhibition for the animal husbandry and agribusiness sector

Taking place from 25-27 November 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event will bring together global industry professionals from across the animal protein supply chain.

Firmly established as the go-to platform for the Middle East and Africa’s animal farming sector, VIV MEA covers every link from feed to food.

This upcoming edition will feature more than 500 exhibitors and welcome over 10,000 visitors for three days of business networking, product launches, and expert-led discussions on topics including animal health, sustainable farming, biosecurity, and production efficiency.

VIV MEA 2025 will showcase a comprehensive range of animal sectors including poultry, dairy, cattle, fish, goats, camels, eggs, and calves. New for this edition is the Aquatic Pavilion, a dedicated space highlighting solutions for aquaculture.

Key sessions include the Aquatic Conference (taking place the day before the show), AgriBITs (focusing on agri-tech innovation), and the 4th Poultry Marketing Roundtable (PMRT) on 26 November.

A press statement from the organisers said that with its world-class infrastructure, Abu Dhabi serves as the ideal host city, offering a strategic gateway to regional markets and a vibrant destination for international visitors.

Early registration allows attendees to skip queues, access updates, and start connecting with exhibitors and speakers ahead of time. "With its strong regional focus and international reach, the show serves as a vital meeting point to forge partnerships, discover innovations, and shape the future of food production in the Middle East and Africa," the statement added. 

Last year, VIV Africa featured 40 specialised sessions, practical workshops and networking opportunities. The event underscored its growing significance as a key platform for advancing the future of African animal protein production, and brought together industry professionals, thought leaders, local youth and innovators to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and showcase the latest trends and developments in animal husbandry and agricultural scene.  VIV Africa was hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre from 2-3 October. 

 

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