Indian Investor Praises Ethiopia’s Strategic Edge in Horticulture Investment

Addis Ababa, August 24, 2026 (ENA) —An Indian investor, who is currently active in Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, underscored Ethiopia’s exceptional potential as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in agriculture, specifically within the export-oriented horticulture sector.

The agribusiness investor and Gud Agro Plc Shareholder, Gajendra Singh Manpura, shared insights drawn from the company’s two years of operational experience near Boditi in the Wolaita Zone of Southern Ethiopia.

The company has specialized in commercial avocado cultivation for export markets.

 

"We are currently working on approximately 150 hectares of land, with 30 to 35 hectares already planted with avocados," Manpura told ENA.

He also explained that he selected Ethiopia after evaluating several alternative agricultural markets.

He highlighted the country's fertile soil, favorable climate, reliable water resources, abundant sunlight, and strong support from both the government and local communities as primary catalysts for his decision.

 

Manpura urged new investors to look beyond the local market and leverage Ethiopia’s strategic access to global trade.

"I would advise incoming investors not to focus solely on domestic sales," he noted. "By adopting an export-oriented mindset for fruits, vegetables, and other produce, investors can fully capitalize on Ethiopia's access to international markets."

Drawing parallels to Ethiopia's established coffee legacy and Ecuador's global leadership in the banana trade, Manpura expressed strong confidence in the Ethiopia's potential to become a top international exporter of avocados and other horticultural crops.