Why Kenya and Ethiopia are giants in global flower industry

Kenya and Ethiopia are dominant global players in cut flower production, driven by favorable climates and high-altitude, year-round sunshine.

Kenya ranks as the world's fourth-largest exporter, earning over $500 annually with over 127 farms, ranking behind the Netherlands, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Ethiopia is a major emerging supplier and Africa's second-largest exporter, with both focusing on roses for European markets.

Kenya supplies about 40% of Europe’s cut flower imports and accounts for more than 15% of global trade, supported by air links including those operated by its national carrier, Kenya Airways.

Experts in horticulture say the market is poised for continued growth, projected to increase to USD 1.15 billion in 2026.

Floriculture remains a crucial foreign exchange earner, ranking alongside tea, coffee, and tourism, contributing roughly 18% of export revenue.

Roses dominate the sector, accounting for over 65% of the export value, with increasing production of summer flowers (Limonium, Solidago, Hypericum).

While the European Union (EU) remains the largest market, Kenya has actively expanded exports to the Middle East (Dubai) and China, reducing reliance on traditional markets.

On the other hand, Ethiopia continues to be a top-four global flower exporter and Africa's second-largest. The country can produce high-quality flowers year-round, with high demand for expansion in the Middle East and Gulf region.

The horticulture sector remains one of Ethiopia’s top foreign exchange earners, with flowers contributing more than 80 percent of total horticulture export revenues, followed by fruits and vegetables.

In the 2024/25 fiscal year, the country earned $564.9 million, supported by the adoption of modern farming technologies and climate-smart practices, stronger compliance with international standards, and improved market access.

That year export of cut flowers attracted over $285M.

In September/October 2025, the National Bank of Ethiopia and the Ministry of Agriculture introduced higher minimum floor prices for cut flowers, including a 7–11% increase for rose farms, aimed at boosting foreign currency earnings.

The new pricing structure sets the rate for roses at $4.57 per kg for highland farms, $4.76 for midland farms, and $5.12 for lowland areas. 

The industry is diversifying beyond roses, with new focus on "summer flowers" like Eucalyptus foliage as a cost-effective alternative.

The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom are the top three destinations for Ethiopian flower exports.

Political instability and ethnic tensions, particularly in the flower-producing areas, have always affected business.

The two powerhouses of flowers in Africa are now facing a drastic drop in business because of the Middle East conflict.

A reduction in demand as well as shipping disruption both to the Middle East and Europe has, for instance, seen Kenya’s floriculture sector report up to $1.4 million in weekly losses.

In the Ethiopian sector, players report a 75% drop in revenue for some farms targeting Gulf markets.