Ethiopia Steps Up Value Added Coffee Exports to Boost Foreign Currency Earnings: ECTA

Addis Ababa, January 9, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to raise foreign currency earnings by expanding exports of value-added coffee rather than shipping beans in raw form, according to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA).

The authority said the shift is part of a broader strategy to maximize returns from Ethiopia’s position as the birthplace of coffee and Africa’s leading producer.

The country earned 2.6 billion US dollars from exporting about 470,000 tons of coffee during the last fiscal year.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority Director General Adugna Debela said sustained attention has been given to the sector in recent years through a 15-year coffee development strategy.

“Through this strategy, effective work has been carried out by identifying structural problems in the sector, increasing production and productivity, and expanding market destinations,” he said.

Adugna noted that productivity gains have been supported by pruning old coffee trees with low yields and by planting new coffee seedlings extensively under the Green Legacy Initiative.

He stressed that competitiveness in the global market depends not only on volume but also on quality. “Strict monitoring is being carried out to ensure that coffee is produced with high quality,” he noted.

Shortening the supply chain is another major focus area, the general director emphasized, adding that policy measures have helped reduce the previously fragmented market system, cutting waste and minimizing negative impacts on quality.

Ethiopia is also moving decisively to unlock the potential of value addition, Adugna said, noting that the sector had long been constrained by the absence of clear guidelines.

“The sector remained dormant due to the lack of clear guidelines on the quality and conditions of value-added coffee before export,” he stated.

According to him, a new guideline has been drafted, approved and put into effect to address this.

Adugna further elaborated the reform has opened opportunities to export domestically roasted and ground coffee in foreign currency.

“Many coffee companies have already started selling their products in foreign currency through Ethiopian Airlines, major hotels and tourist destinations,” he said.

The authority believes the combined measures will significantly increase earnings from the coffee sector while strengthening Ethiopia’s presence in high value international markets.