Ethiopia’s Coffee Expo Targets Global Markets, Investment and Tourism Opportunities

Addis Ababa, November 15, 2026 (ENA)—  The World Coffee Expo 2026 has opened in Jimma, Oromia Regional State, bringing together key stakeholders in the coffee industry to promote Ethiopian coffee, and expand international market connections.

The two-day exhibition, which runs from November 14–15, has brought together regional government officials, coffee producers, exporters, international traders and industry representatives to strengthen partnerships and showcase Ethiopia’s coffee potential.

More importantly, the expo aims to strengthen cooperation across the coffee value chain, showcase Ethiopia’s distinctive coffee varieties and create new opportunities in international trade, investment and coffee tourism, ENA reported from the scene.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mohammed Taha Abafita, Head of the Political Sector of the Prosperity Party in the South Western Oromia Zone, underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among the government, producers and business stakeholders to increase coffee production and improve quality.

Describing coffee as a backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, he stressed the need to strengthen development activities, provide professional support to farmers and maintain quality standards throughout the production process.

He pointed out that the South Western Oromia Zone plans to produce 700,000 tonnes of coffee during the current production year, of which 195,000 tonnes are targeted for export to international markets.

On his part, Nejib Kedir, President of the Jimma Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, emphasized the importance of boosting productivity while maintaining high-quality standards.

He called on farmers, investors and exporters to give greater attention to coffee production standards to enhance the competitiveness of Ethiopian coffee in international markets.

The 2026 exhibition is expected to attract more than 100 international coffee experts, traders, organizations and other industry stakeholders, providing a platform to showcase Ethiopia’s unique coffee varieties and connect local producers with global buyers.

Widely recognized as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, Ethiopia remains one of the world's important coffee-producing countries.

Its diverse growing conditions and distinctive varieties, including Sidama, Yirgacheffe, Guji, Harar and Limu, have earned the country a strong reputation in the international specialty coffee market.

Beyond its cultural and historical significance, coffee remains one of Ethiopia’s most important export commodities, sustaining millions of livelihoods, particularly among smallholder farmers, while generating substantial foreign currency earnings.

In that regard, the expo is also expected to create new investment opportunities in South Western Oromia, particularly in coffee tourism and related economic activities, further expanding the sector’s contribution to regional development.

The event is coordinated by the Oromia Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Oromia Regional Government and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the South Western Oromia Zone and Jimma City Administration.

Running through November 15, the exhibition seeks to translate Ethiopia’s longstanding coffee heritage into stronger international partnerships, expanded market access, increased investment and greater economic opportunities for coffee producers and businesses.