MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has launched Africa’s first annual trade show dedicated to fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, aiming to unlock the continent’s vast horticultural potential.
The event, named Horti Logistica Africa, will be held every November in Arusha and is organized by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) in partnership with the government.
The trade show is designed to serve as a continental and international platform, bringing together growers, exporters, buyers, and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. Focusing on the horticultural sub-sector, particularly the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, the event seeks to foster business connections, showcase innovations, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. It is modelled after prominent global events, including Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Macfrut in Italy, and Fruit Attraction in Spain.
The launch in Dar es Salaam coincided with the Horticulture Business and Investment Summit 2025 (HoBIS 2025) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which drew investors, development agencies, policymakers, private-sector leaders, and members of the horticultural value chain. During the event, Dr. Jim Yonazi, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination), highlighted the strategic importance of the trade show. He was welcomed by Mr. Gerald Mweli, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, who underscored Tanzania’s pioneering role in hosting the continent’s first dedicated horticulture fair.
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Horti Logistica Africa is expected to boost Africa’s horticulture sector by providing a localized platform for connecting with international markets. For many African farmers and exporters, attending trade fairs overseas has been costly and logistically challenging. By bringing the trade show to the continent, Tanzania aims to make these opportunities more accessible, strengthening the supply chain from farm to market.
The event also emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture and innovation within Africa’s horticultural industry. With fertile soils, favorable climates, and a growing export potential, the sector offers significant economic opportunities. However, challenges such as limited cold-chain logistics, post-harvest losses, and market access barriers remain. Organizers hope the trade show will help address these gaps by facilitating knowledge exchange, partnerships, and investment.
Tanzania’s hosting of Horti Logistica Africa positions the country as a regional hub for horticulture and agricultural trade. The event is anticipated to expand business opportunities, promote regional integration in agricultural markets, and strengthen the continent’s role in global horticultural supply chains.
