Dar es Salaam: Ethiopia has successfully planted 8.5 billion improved species of coffee seedlings over the past five years, a strategic move aimed at enhancing coffee productivity and sustainability, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister also revealed that Ethiopia has been selected to host the fourth G25 African Coffee Summit in 2027. This decision follows a convincing proposal at the recent summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. During his keynote address at the third G-25 African Coffee Producing Countries Summit, Temesgen highlighted Ethiopia’s deep-rooted cultural and historical connection to coffee, asserting the country’s role as the birthplace and Africa’s leading coffee producer.
Temesgen emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to enhancing both the production and quality of its coffee. He noted that the efforts have already shown positive results, with the country exporting nearly 300,000 tons of coffee last year and generating 1.43 billion dollars in revenue. Despite facing challenges such as climate change, price volatility, and policy shifts, Ethiopia has introduced a new policy focused on high-quality, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable farming practices to tackle these issues.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the planting of 8.5 billion improved coffee seedlings is not only vital for ecosystem enhancement and forest conservation but also for maintaining premium coffee quality. This initiative aims to create job opportunities and empower youth and women as coffee producers.
Recognizing coffee as a strategic product within the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Temesgen expressed support for establishing a continental agency dedicated to transforming Africa’s coffee industry. He underscored the importance of boosting productivity, expanding consumer markets, strengthening intra-African coffee trade, and increasing investment. Ethiopia remains committed to enhancing its position in the global coffee market and ensuring coffee’s role as a major economic catalyst for Africa.