ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia’s coffee sector has achieved a record revenue of 1.43 billion USD from exports during the last fiscal year, marking a significant increase in both market reach and production quality.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, over 298,000 tons of coffee were exported in this period, generating unprecedented earnings. The authority’s Director-General, Adugna Debela, at a press conference, underscored the advancements in coffee quality and production techniques that have driven this growth. He noted an increase of 50,500 tons in coffee exports compared to the previous year, attributing this success to enhanced agricultural practices and quality control measures implemented across the industry.

One of the key factors behind this success has been the increase in farmers’ income, which has nearly doubled from 40 percent to 80 percent of the coffee sale profits. This improvement was achieved by streamlining the marketing chain, allowing farmers to sell directly to central markets, thus bypassing intermediaries and significantly increasing their earnings. Adugna emphasized that these strategic changes have not only benefitted farmers but also strengthened Ethiopia’s position in the competitive global coffee market.

The director-general highlighted that these efforts reflect Ethiopia’s commitment to harnessing the full potential of its coffee industry, renowned worldwide for its unique flavors and quality. The positive trajectory of the coffee sector is anticipated to continue bolstering the country’s economy, enhancing foreign exchange inflows, and improving the lives of millions of Ethiopian coffee growers.