Mekonnen Solomon, a horticultural expert at Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture, recalls growing up in Merti-Methera, a town founded by the Dutch agricultural company Handelsvereniging Amsterdam (HVA). HVA had long been involved in large-scale farming in Ethiopia's Rift Valley, particularly sugarcane production.
The town itself was designed by Dutch planners, giving it a European style. It was known for its lush gardens filled with colorful trees, flowers, and ornamental plants. Among them, the Climbing Lily, geraniums, and petunias stood out as symbols of Methera, admired for their beauty and fragrance. These plants shaped the town's character and improved the quality of life for its residents.
"Over time, however, Methera declined. Population growth strained its infrastructure and services, and neglect led to further deterioration. What was once a model town has largely faded into history," says Mekonnen.
For Mekonnen, growing up in Methera and later working in Ethiopia's floriculture industry has been deeply meaningful. Surrounded by flowers and greenery, he found peace and resilience in a demanding environment. His international travels across Europe, Asia, and Africa also revealed similarities between Methera and European towns, particularly in how communities celebrated flowers and green spaces. Returning home, he noticed how the presence of flower shops and markets fostered social connections, reduced stress, and strengthened community spirit.
Ethiopia is now one of the world's major flower exporters. The country ships an average of 274 tons of flowers daily, reaching 100,000 tons annually, with exports mainly to Europe and the Middle East. Many believe this industry helps urban populations abroad feel more connected to nature and improves their sense of well-being. Mekonnen questions why Ethiopian cities, including Addis Ababa, should not also benefit from these same advantages.
Balancing exports with local demand is an ongoing challenge. Meanwhile, Ethiopia's growing middle class is driving up domestic demand for flowers, especially in Addis Ababa. The city is home to 134 embassies, 28 UN offices, and nearly 3,000 civil society organizations, all of which use flowers for events, offices, and cultural celebrations such as weddings, graduations, religious holidays, and national festivities.
A 2025 survey by the Addis Ababa City Administration Revenue Bureau counted about 903 flower shops in the city, mainly in Bole, Yeka Kirkos, Kolefa, Akaki-Kaliti, Nefas Silk, Addis Ketema, and Lideta. Most flowers are sourced from farms in Ethiopia's highlands and midlands but often fall short of export quality. Stems are weak, colors fade quickly, and blooms are poorly formed. Prices vary by season, type, and location, with a mixed bouquet costing between 59 and 259 USD (8,000–35,000 Birr).
Despite their importance, most flower shops are outdated and lack the cold storage systems needed to preserve flowers. There is also little training in floristry. Skills such as floral design, arrangement techniques, and creative styling are not taught in colleges or vocational schools. This gap leaves the local industry underdeveloped compared to international standards.
At the same time, Addis Ababa is undergoing major changes through Ethiopia's corridor development project, which is modernizing infrastructure, expanding public spaces, and improving connectivity. The city is positioning itself as a tourism and business hub, with smart city features designed to boost competitiveness and quality of life. Within this transformation, the flower retail sector is seen as increasingly important to Addis Ababa's urban identity.
In March 2024, Ethiopia's Investment Board introduced Directive 1001/2024, which opened up previously restricted sectors to foreign investors. For the first time, foreign companies are now allowed to participate in flower retail and wholesale. Some investors have even expressed interest in establishing colleges specializing in floristry, offering training in design, plant care, and shop management.
Addis Ababa is also experimenting with visible urban beautification projects. Hanging flower decorations have been installed along major roads such as Bole, Kasanchis, and Megenagn. Advocates of smart cities argue that adding flowers to streets and public spaces helps transform grey, impersonal areas into vibrant environments, improving both aesthetics and residents' mental health.
"Down the line, the symbolic significance of flowers will continue to permeate the realms of Addis Ababa magnetic field. Floral patterns inspired by hibiscus and bougainvillea are expected to flourish, embodying the beauty and resilience of the nation. These blossoms will become increasingly central to the branding of Ethiopian tourism, with their vibrant hues capturing the allure and tropical essence of the country," Mekonnen concludes.
Source: www.floraldaily.com