Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

HortiFlora Expo 2026 will take place from 24 to 26 March 2026 at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, bringing global attention to Ethiopia’s growing influence in the horticulture and floriculture industries.

The event aims to highlight the country’s role as a vibrant centre for horticulture in Africa, while welcoming growers, exporters, buyers and agribusiness professionals from across the world.

The expo is organised by HPP Exhibitions in partnership with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA). This year’s edition reflects a broader vision for the sector, presenting not only flowers but also fruits, vegetables, seeds and a range of modern agricultural technologies. By widening its focus, the event seeks to mirror the expanding capabilities of Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape and the increasing diversity of its export products.

HortiFlora has long attracted strong international participation, and the 2026 edition is expected to continue that tradition. Industry representatives from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and across Africa will gather in Addis Ababa to explore trade opportunities and strengthen partnerships. The expo will provide an active meeting point for businesses through organised buyer and seller discussions, networking events and market exploration activities. A strong emphasis will be placed on product quality, traceability and dependable supply chains, factors that are becoming essential for global buyers.

Another important development is the event’s expanded scope and renewed annual rhythm. While floriculture remains a core strength of Ethiopia’s export sector, the inclusion of fruits and vegetables reflects the country’s increasing production and market reach in fresh produce. This shift signals a new phase for the expo as it supports economic growth and employment within the agricultural sector.

Ethiopia’s favourable climate and continuing investment in infrastructure have played a key role in the rapid progress of its horticulture industry. As the nation broadens its export portfolio, HortiFlora Expo 2026 stands as an important platform for international cooperation, knowledge exchange and the future development of sustainable horticulture.

VIV Worldwide is entering a new phase of global development with the appointment of Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs | VNU Group.

The move signals a renewed focus on expanding the international reach of the VIV brand and strengthening its role as a leading platform for the global livestock and agrifood industry. The announcement also comes at an important time as preparations gather pace for major upcoming VIV events around the world.

The appointment arrives just months ahead of VIV Europe 2026, which will take place from 2 to 4 June at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. This edition is particularly significant as it marks the 25th anniversary of the event, one of the most recognised trade gatherings for professionals across the feed to food chain. At the same time, the organisation is also preparing to launch VIV Select India, which will make its debut from 22 to 24 April in New Delhi, opening new opportunities in one of the fastest growing livestock markets.

Hall’s promotion reflects the organisation’s confidence in her leadership and international outlook. Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, emphasised the impact she has already made within the organisation. "From the very start of her time at Jaarbeurs in 2025, Natasha has made a clear mark on the development of VIV Asia, where her international work experience and strategic vision contributed to growth, positioning and market connection. Her new role sets her up for the next step within the organisation and for further developing VIV as a globally leading B2B platform for the poultry and livestock sector."

In her new role, Hall will oversee the complete global VIV portfolio across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and Africa region. Her responsibilities include the international VIV trade shows along with VIV Connect and the VIV Trade Forums. A key priority will be expanding the global network of exhibitors, visitors and industry partners while strengthening the international visibility of the VIV brand.

With more than a decade of experience in the exhibitions industry in Dubai, Hall brings strong international expertise to the role. "I see VIV as a unique global platform that brings together the entire feed to food chain, and I consider that integrated approach to be an important differentiating strength," said Hall.

Her appointment also comes during a milestone year for the brand. VIV Europe 2026 will celebrate its 25th edition and will also mark the decision to move the event to a biennial schedule from 2028 onwards. "VIV Europe has grown into a reliable and forward-looking platform where strategy, technology and business come together. The anniversary edition in June will once again bring hundreds of international exhibitors and thousands of professionals from the global feed to food chain to Utrecht — a recognised hub for agrifood innovation, science and sustainable chain development."

Kenya has taken a significant step forward in modernising its agricultural sector with the launch of the Electronic Warehouse Receipt System Central Registry, known as the eWRS-CR.

Developed by the Warehouse Receipt System Council (WRSC) in partnership with TradeMark Africa and backed by funding from the British High Commission in Kenya, the platform is designed to tackle some of the most persistent challenges facing the country's farming community.

At its core, the system is a secure, government-owned digital platform that automates and centralises the management of warehouse receipts. For farmers who have long struggled with post-harvest losses, limited access to credit and unpredictable market conditions, this represents a genuine shift in how agricultural trade can work. The platform allows farmers and commodity owners to store produce in certified warehouses and receive electronic receipts as proof of ownership. Those receipts can then be used as collateral to access loans, giving farmers financial breathing room without forcing them into distress sales.

The numbers behind the problem are stark. Smallholder farmers account for more than 75 per cent of Kenya's agricultural output, yet less than five per cent of bank lending reaches the sector. Post-harvest losses for some commodities run as high as 30 to 40 per cent. The eWRS-CR directly targets both issues by creating a more structured, transparent and trustworthy trading environment.

Principal Secretary for Industry, Dr Juma Mukhwana, officiated the launch and spoke to the platform's broader significance. "The e-WRS Central Registry is not merely a technology platform; it is a confidence-building intervention designed to catalyse participation across the agricultural value chain. By enhancing transparency, strengthening trust, and enabling access to finance, this system empowers farmers, attracts private sector investment, and contributes to Kenya's broader economic transformation," he said.

WRSC Chairman Patrick Mbogo , added, "The launch of the Electronic Warehouse Receipt System Central Registry marks a defining moment in Kenya's journey toward a modern, transparent and efficient agricultural marketing system. This platform strengthens trust among market participants, enhances commodity security, and unlocks access to financing for farmers and agribusinesses. It lays a firm foundation for structured agricultural trade and positions Kenya as a regional leader in agricultural market innovation."

Country Director of TradeMark Africa, Lilian Mwai, underlined the regional dimension of the initiative. "By improving traceability and enabling access to finance, this platform empowers farmers and agribusinesses to compete more effectively in domestic and regional trade. The No Stop Border initiative becomes practical by fixing systems at source. Goods moving across Africa should not face unnecessary delays caused by fragmented systems. Systems like the Electronic Warehouse Receipt platform ensure that commodities are traceable, trusted and trade-ready from the moment they enter the value chain," she said.

Deputy High Commissioner Diana Dalton of the British High Commission echoed the sentiment. "Kenya and the UK are injecting innovation into agriculture. Not only does this system put more money into farmers' pockets, but it also allows produce like maize to be used as collateral for short-term loans, enabling farmers to meet immediate needs without selling at lower prices. The renewed Strategic Partnership between Kenya and the UK is driving modernisation for businesses of all sizes, adding crucial value to produce before export," she said.

The system is already live and fully operational. To date, 114 warehouse receipts have been registered, covering nearly 600,000 kilograms of deposited commodities. Kenya's transition from a pilot phase to nationwide rollout signals a serious commitment to building an agricultural economy that works better for everyone in the value chain.

New Holland tractors are set to play a bigger role in transforming agriculture in Kenya following a new partnership between Inchcape and NCBA Group, one of East Africa’s leading financial institutions.

The collaboration focuses on making New Holland’s modern tractor range more accessible to farmers through a flexible and affordable financing solution designed around real farming needs.

The initiative enables farmers to acquire New Holland tractors with financing of up to 95 percent of the purchase value, making advanced machinery attainable for both small and large scale operations. Repayment periods can extend up to 60 months, with options structured to suit farming cash flows. Farmers can choose monthly or seasonal repayments aligned with harvest cycles, helping them manage costs without disrupting day to day operations. The financing package also includes cover for up to two farm implements, allowing farmers to fully utilise the capabilities of their New Holland equipment. To further support customers, each financed tractor comes with one year of free insurance through NCBA Bancassurance, offering reassurance throughout the loan term.

New Holland tractors are known for their durability, efficiency and suitability for a wide range of farming applications, from land preparation to harvesting support. By pairing these machines with tailored financial solutions, the partnership aims to improve farm productivity while reducing the operational strain often associated with equipment investment.

Marion Gathoga Mwangi, Managing Director of Inchcape Kenya, said, “Through this collaboration, we are not just offering financing; we are driving mechanisation, which remains a key pillar in increasing agricultural productivity and efficiency. When farmers have access to modern, reliable machines, their yields rise, their costs reduce, and their work becomes more rewarding.”

NCBA Group also emphasised the importance of aligning finance with the realities of farming. Lennox Mugambi, Group Director of NCBA Asset Finance and Business Solutions, added, “This partnership with Inchcape Kenya marks a major step in our mission. We aim to support farmers by providing accessible and flexible finance. By matching repayment schedules to the realities of farming, we remove barriers that have held back mechanization. We believe this will empower farmers to boost productivity and improve their livelihoods across Kenya.”

The programme brings Inchcape’s Accelerate+ strategy to life by combining high quality New Holland products with value added services such as financing and insurance. By improving access to trusted machinery, the initiative supports sustainable agricultural growth and creates long term benefits for farming communities across Kenya.