The country's annual coffee production has surged from 500,000 tons to over 1 million tons in just five years. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed dubbed the growth a remarkable achievement in Ethiopia's coffee industry.
This milestone was celebrated during a national coffee exhibition and awareness forum at the Ethiopian Science Museum. The Prime Minister underscored the impressive growth in coffee export revenue, which exceeded 1.4 billion USD in the previous fiscal year. He credited this success to ongoing enhancements in the macroeconomic landscape and the coffee trade sector.
In his speech, Premier Abiy reaffirmed the government's dedication to improving both the quality and quantity of coffee production. He highlighted the vital role of collaboration among various stakeholders, including farmers, cooperatives, and local communities, to foster awareness and implement best practices in coffee cultivation.
Expressing optimism about the future, he stated that Ethiopia aims to maintain its momentum and reach an annual coffee production of one million tons, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts to enhance quality and expand market access. He also noted that the Green Legacy Initiative, which began with a focus on coffee, has played a crucial role in this growth, and he anticipates that Ethiopia will achieve around 2 billion USD in export revenue in the current fiscal year.
Premier Abiy likened the care needed in coffee farming to nurturing a child, urging farmers to give their crops the attention they deserve to boost productivity. “By upholding this strength, farmers and coffee traders are motivated to back the initiatives we have established. The efforts you have made over the years are truly commendable. Your collective dedication has not only been significant as traders but has also contributed to a common objective, enabling the country to generate an impressive 1.4 billion dollars each year.” This is a remarkable accomplishment, he remarked.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of coffee quality, encouraging those involved in irrigation farming to implement best practices. According to ENA, during this event, he recognized farmers, exporters, and associations for their outstanding contributions to the production and export of Ethiopia’s coffee. With a clear vision and unwavering commitment, Ethiopia's coffee sector is poised for continued growth and prosperity.