Tanzania is set to host the three-day HortiLogistica Africa 2026 trade fair in Arusha, bringing together over 150 exhibitors and 3,000 visitors from 40 countries. The event, scheduled for November 8-10, aims to connect farmers, exporters, buyers, investors, and technology providers to strengthen the production, marketing, and distribution of horticultural products. This platform is expected to provide new markets, modern production technologies, and investment opportunities for Tanzania's horticulture farmers. The event is being organized in collaboration with the government through the Ministry of Agriculture.
The exhibition has four main objectives: expanding markets for African horticultural products, showcasing innovative and sustainable production technologies, facilitating investment partnerships, and promoting direct business engagements. Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla said the event would position Tanzania and Arusha as important horticultural investment and business hubs. He urged farmers, businesses, investors, and stakeholders to participate and take advantage of the opportunities presented. The event will also benefit other sectors, including tourism, hospitality, transport, aviation, and business services, given Arusha's position as a leading tourism destination.
Horticulture is a significant contributor to Tanzania's economy, accounting for 38 percent of the country's foreign exchange earnings. The sector also creates jobs and generates income for farmers. Tanzania has considerable potential to produce and supply a wide range of horticultural products, but accessing lucrative markets requires stronger value chains, technology, and investment. The government has set a target of $2 billion in horticulture exports value by 2030. The exhibition will provide a platform for farmers and businesses to interact with technology manufacturers and suppliers offering solutions to improve productivity and quality.
Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) chief executive officer Jacqueline Mkindi said preparations for the exhibition had been completed. She said the event was designed to benefit not only farmers but also businesses and other players across the horticultural value chain. The exhibition will showcase technologies covering the entire production chain, from farming to logistics, including solutions that could help address gaps in cold-chain infrastructure. This will help improve the quality of produce destined for export markets.
The exhibition will place particular emphasis on intra-African trade, noting that the continent offers significant market opportunities for African producers. Over 18 African nations will participate, including major producers such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and countries with strong demand for horticultural products like South Africa. The event will help strengthen commercial relationships between producers and buyers across the continent. South Africa is a potential market for Tanzanian agricultural produce, including bananas and avocados.
The exhibition will also highlight innovations developed within Africa, giving local technology providers an opportunity to showcase solutions that could be adopted by farmers and businesses across the region. The event will be held under the theme, "Bridging Markets, Cultivating Prosperity." This will provide a platform for local technology providers to showcase solutions that could help address gaps in the horticultural sector.
The HortiLogistica Africa 2026 trade fair is expected to create opportunities for Tanzania's horticulture sector, attracting investors and promoting direct business engagements. The event will provide a platform for farmers, exporters, and buyers to interact and strengthen the production, marketing, and distribution of horticultural products. With the government's target of $2 billion in horticulture exports value by 2030, the exhibition is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The exhibition aims to connect farmers, exporters, buyers, investors, and technology providers to strengthen the production, marketing, and distribution of horticultural products.
- The event will provide a platform for farmers and businesses to interact with technology manufacturers and suppliers offering solutions to improve productivity and quality.
- The exhibition will place particular emphasis on intra-African trade, highlighting significant market opportunities for African producers.
