The first all Africa horticulture congress is born from the synergy between GlobalHort and the African horticulture community member of ISHS. The spirit was also founded from the statements reported in the 2005 Global Horticulture Assessment: - Horticulture is ubiquitous in the developing countries, makes for flourishing markets in villages and cities, provides vital produce for all populations; however, it is not considered in any research, development or policy agenda. - Horticulture is knowledge intensive, although there are fewer young professionals investing in horticultural sciences and techniques, and less academic work dedicated to horticulture. - Horticulture is diverse, diversified and well adapted to small-scale actors, farmers or retailers; and so far the proposed development models do not suit Africa.