Horticulture expo targets global markets
ARUSHA: OVER 3,000 delegates from more than 40 countries are expected in Arusha for HortiLogistica Africa 2026, which Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi will officially open tomorrow, as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its position in the international horticultural market.
The three-day exhibition, scheduled for November 8 to 10 at the TGT grounds, will bring together more than 150 producers from Africa, Europe and Asia, alongside buyers, exporters, investors, logistics companies and technology providers.
Speaking during a press conference in Arusha yesterday, Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla said the exhibition will connect African horticultural producers with regional and international markets while promoting Tanzania as an attractive investment destination.
Mr Makalla commended the Ministry of Agriculture and the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) for bringing the international event to the region.
He said the gathering aims to expand horticultural trade, showcase sustainable production technologies, facilitate investment partnerships and strengthen Tanzania’s position as an important horticultural business hub in Africa.
“More than 40 countries are expected to participate. Visitors will discover investment opportunities in Tanzania, while some buyers may decide to invest in local production and establish businesses,” he said.
Mr Makalla said horticulture contributes significantly to economic growth, employment creation, farmers’ incomes and foreign exchange earnings through exports.
He noted that Tanzania has considerable potential to produce fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers, adding that the exhibition will increase the international visibility of these products.
He said the event will also stimulate growth in transportation, hospitality, tourism, aviation and other business services.
Mr Makalla added that Arusha will use the gathering to promote its tourism attractions, encouraging delegates to explore the region and become ambassadors for Tanzania.
“Arusha is a major tourism destination. We want visitors to experience our attractions and promote Tanzania and Arusha in their respective countries,” he said.
TAHA Chief Executive Officer, Jacqueline Mkindi, said the exhibition will benefit farmers and other stakeholders across the horticultural value chain by expanding markets and improving access to technology.
She said connecting producers with exporters and international buyers will create reliable markets for agricultural produce.
“Farming without markets is not farming. When exporters secure more markets, farmers benefit directly through increased opportunities to sell their produce,” she said.
Ms Mkindi said participants will also access technologies covering production, storage, handling and transportation, helping to improve productivity and maintain product quality.
She emphasised the importance of African markets, noting that horticultural trade opportunities extend beyond Europe and Asia.
“Many people think about Europe whenever horticultural markets are mentioned. However, Africa itself offers significant opportunities. We are also focusing on intra-African trade,” she said.
She said more than 18 African countries will participate, creating opportunities to strengthen commercial relations between producing countries such as Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia and importing countries.
Ms Mkindi added that African innovators will showcase locally developed technologies, opening up opportunities for partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The exhibition will be held under the theme “Bringing Markets Together, Cultivating Prosperity.”
