Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi speaks at an event in Zanzibar recently. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
A pivotal moment in East Africa’s agricultural history unfolded in Arusha, Tanzania, with the establishment of the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa (HoCEA).
This dynamic platform is set to transform the regional horticultural sector by bringing together industry stakeholders to pursue common goals, resolve challenges, and tap into uncharted potential.
The creation of HoCEA signals an exciting step forward for the multi-billion-dollar horticultural sector, which holds immense promise for economic growth, trade expansion, and job creation across the East African Community (EAC).
With the region known for its favorable climate, fertile soils, and hardworking farming communities, the groundwork for growth has long been in place. Now, HoCEA aims to provide the structure, leadership, and strategies needed to propel this vital industry to global prominence.
Taking the helm as the council’s inaugural Chairperson is Dr Jacqueline Mkindi, a name synonymous with horticultural innovation and leadership in Tanzania.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), Dr Mkindi has garnered widespread respect for her ability to drive transformation in agriculture.
Her appointment reflects a strong commitment to strategic, results-driven leadership that will guide HoCEA as it pursues its ambitious agenda.
Joining Dr Mkindi in this historic endeavor are other highly accomplished leaders: Mr Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council, who will serve as Secretary, and Ms. Esther Nekambi, Executive Director of the Uganda Flower Exporters Association, in the role of Treasurer.
Together, this team embodies a united regional approach, bringing invaluable experience and a shared vision to reshape East Africa’s horticultural landscape.
HoCEA’s mission is bold and far-reaching. The council aims to elevate the reputation of East African horticultural products, ensuring they are recognized as premium commodities in international markets.
To achieve this, a quality certification mark will be introduced, helping buyers associate the region’s products with excellence and reliability. Beyond branding, HoCEA is tackling some of the sector’s most pressing challenges head-on.
One such challenge is pest and disease management, an issue that has long hindered production and market competitiveness.
By fostering collaboration among member countries, the council plans to implement robust surveillance systems and invest in innovative solutions to protect crops and meet international phytosanitary standards.
Improved logistics and market access are also on the agenda. The council will focus on streamlining supply chains, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating efficient export channels to connect local farmers with both regional and global markets.
Study shows Fruits and vegetables alone contribute between 20% and 36% of the GDP in East African economies. Photo: Courtesy
Moreover, the council has pledged to prioritize sustainability. Environmental preservation is no longer just an ethical responsibility—it is critical to maintaining long-term productivity and resilience in the face of climate change.
Through resource-efficient farming practices, HoCEA aims to safeguard the future of East Africa’s horticulture while meeting the increasing global demand for sustainably grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
The launch event in Arusha was marked by optimism and high expectations. Dr Mkindi expressed her gratitude to TradeMark Africa (TMA), a key supporter of the council’s formation.
TMA’s expertise in enhancing trade and market access across East Africa has been instrumental in overcoming barriers that have long stifled growth.
Dr Mkindi credited TMA for its role in fostering an enabling environment for collaboration and investment, which has laid the foundation for HoCEA’s ambitious plans.
The economic stakes are enormous. Fruits and vegetables alone contribute between 20% and 36% of the GDP in East African economies, underlining their importance as drivers of growth and employment.
Despite this, the current levels of intra-regional trade and global exports fall far short of the sector’s true potential. Intra-EAC trade in fruits and vegetables is valued at a mere $10 million, while global exports stand at $416 million for vegetables and $125 million for fruits.
These figures reveal a significant gap between what the region produces and what it could achieve with greater coordination and investment.
Recognizing this, the EAC Secretariat has developed a strategy to expand trade and exports over the next decade. The goals include increasing intra-EAC trade in fruits and vegetables to $25 million and boosting global exports to $950 million for vegetables and $350 million for fruits by 2031.
To realize these ambitious targets, HoCEA will prioritize research and innovation to improve production capacity. Upgrading infrastructure, from cold storage facilities to transportation networks, will also be critical in reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.
Furthermore, the council plans to strengthen trade facilitation mechanisms, ensuring that quality control and regulatory compliance meet the expectations of international buyers.
The region’s horticultural players have also emphasized the importance of skills development. Empowering farmers and workers with modern techniques, business knowledge, and technological tools will be key to driving long-term growth. Meanwhile, HoCEA will advocate for harmonized policies across the EAC bloc to create a more predictable and supportive business environment for investors and exporters.
Dr Mkindi and her team are acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Limited access to advanced farming technology, high production costs, and infrastructure bottlenecks remain significant hurdles.
However, HoCEA’s approach is rooted in collaboration, recognizing that the collective strength of East Africa’s horticultural community far outweighs individual efforts. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and addressing common challenges, the council is confident in its ability to unlock the region’s full potential.
The global market also presents tremendous opportunities for growth. Consumers worldwide are increasingly demanding fresh, high-quality, and sustainably produced fruits and vegetables.
East Africa, with its abundant natural resources and favorable growing conditions, is well-positioned to meet this demand.
By leveraging these advantages and investing in strategic marketing efforts, the region can establish itself as a leading exporter of premium horticultural products.
The council’s leadership team has been vocal about the importance of regional unity in achieving these goals.
“The establishment of HoCEA represents a historic opportunity for East Africa,” said Mr Tulezi. “By working together, we can create a stronger, more resilient horticultural industry that benefits everyone, from smallholder farmers to large-scale exporters.”
Ms Nekambi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that collaboration is the key to overcoming obstacles and driving innovation.
“We have a shared responsibility to ensure the success of this initiative,” she noted. “By uniting our efforts, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for the region and its people.”
Looking ahead, HoCEA is determined to position East Africa as a hub of horticultural excellence. Annual trade events are set to play a significant role in this vision, providing platforms for showcasing the region’s products and forging valuable partnerships with international buyers, investors, and collaborators.
These events will not only boost exports but also reinforce East Africa’s reputation as a reliable and innovative player in the global horticultural market.
Dr Mkindi remains optimistic about the road ahead, despite the challenges. “This is a defining moment for our industry,” she remarked.
“We have the vision, the leadership, and the determination to achieve transformative change. Together, we can create a thriving horticultural sector that brings prosperity to our region and strengthens our position on the world stage.”
The launch of HoCEA marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for East Africa’s horticultural sector. With its eyes set firmly on the future, the council is ready to tackle obstacles, seize opportunities, and deliver on its promise of sustainable growth. For growers, exporters, and communities across the region, the message is clear: a brighter, more prosperous future is within reach.
