Authority Attributes Coffee Production, Productivity Growth to Integrated Efforts

Addis Ababa, October 30, 2025 (ENA) – The recent strides in coffee production, productivity and quality are a result of integrated efforts, according to coffee experts.

Ethiopia is the world's fifth largest producer of coffee, and Africa's top producer.

Ethiopia's specialty coffee is in high demand at the global level, driven by its unique flavor profiles, and high quality.

Coffee is the backbone of Ethiopia's economy, serving as a crucial source of foreign exchange earnings as the country has been undertaking various endeavors to further benefit from the sector by producing coffee in large quantities and high quality.

In his recent address to the House of People's Representatives, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said coffee production experienced notable growth, increasing from 4.5 million to 11.5 million quintals.

Despite rising domestic consumption due to population growth, Ethiopia’s coffee exports generated 2.5 billion USD last Ethiopian Fiscal Year, a significant increase from 700 million USD during the early years of the economic reform.

Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority Deputy Director-General Tagay Nuru said coffee has been produced in recent years in high quality and quantity using modern technology, moving away from traditional production methods.

The lengthy coffee marketing system has also been reformed, and such initiatives have increased the income from coffee export, in addition to boosting coffee production and productivity.

Furthermore, endeavors are also being carried out in advancing using of improved varieties that can withstand climate change in order to increase the quality and productivity of coffee in Ethiopia, Tagay added.

Ethiopian National Coffee Association Deputy President, Zerihun Qamiso on his part said  the association was established with the target to resolve challenges in coffee supply chains and to boost coffee production and productivity.

He pointed out that both coffee exporters and suppliers had no inclination to support farmers, who produce more than 94 percent of coffee production, technically and in other ways.

Such attitude prevented farmers from producing coffee in large quantities and with good quality, alongside preventing them from getting the proper benefits from the product, the Deputy President stated.

According to Zerihun, the association has designed a curriculum to support the coffee industry through research, and distributing essential inputs to farmers in order to boost coffee production and productivity.

Coffee is vital part of the country’s economy, making up a significant portion of the country's export earnings, and providing livelihoods for millions of people.