Addis Ababa: Italy has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Ethiopia in the coffee sector. The coffee sector is a primary area of interest for Italy, not only in Ethiopia but also in other African countries.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation has been involved in the Ethiopian coffee sector since 2006, focusing on creating a value chain. Morana emphasized the importance of collaboration with international organizations such as UNIDO, which has been a long-term partner in Ethiopia and globally in the coffee industry.
Regarding the bilateral partnership, Morana highlighted Ethiopia’s extensive experience in various sectors. He stated that Italy aims to support Ethiopia by leveraging its expertise and private sector capabilities. Italy’s interest in the coffee sector is also seen as a means to develop the private sector in Ethiopia.
Morana expressed the desire to engage the Italian private sector to establish partnerships with local entities and enhance the Ethiopian coffee sector with Italian expertise. A landmark project was recently launched to support the Ethiopian coffee value chain, promoting innovative and impactful investments backed by the Italian government.
The project is a significant advancement in the coffee sector value chain, underscoring Italy’s strong commitment to the sector, Morana noted. Coffee remains a vital part of Ethiopia’s economy, with over 5 million households relying on it as a primary source of income, contributing significantly to the country’s export earnings.
In recent years, Ethiopia has experienced substantial growth in coffee exports, aiming to generate 2 billion USD in the current Ethiopian fiscal year.