Horn News Hub | August 5, 2026
Ethiopia will host the second edition of its International Date Palm Festival in Semera, capital of the Afar Region, from September 20 to 22, 2026, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation.
The agreement was finalized during a virtual signing ceremony, according to Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Jemal Beker (PhD), who took part in the event. Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador Beker said hosting the festival in Ethiopia would contribute significantly to the development of the country’s date palm sector while also supporting national efforts to strengthen food security and advance the Green Legacy initiative, a large scale tree planting and environmental rehabilitation program.
Organizers say the festival is designed to introduce improved technologies and varieties to producers, address challenges facing the sector, facilitate the exchange of experience among participants, and showcase recent research findings related to date palm cultivation.
The upcoming event builds on the inaugural festival, which was held in Semera from August 26 to 28, 2025, and drew participants from ten countries. Ambassador Beker said he expects the second edition to be similarly productive, describing it as an opportunity for another fruitful and impactful gathering.
Further details about the festival’s program and participating countries are expected to be announced closer to the event date.
