Ethiopia Coffee Export Forum Calls for Quality and Competitiveness

February 23, 2018 (E.C.) — Addis Ababa

Ministry of Agriculture and ECTA Convene Sector-Wide Forum

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA), held a wide-ranging forum with stakeholders at the Ministry of Agriculture Hall. The session reviewed coffee export performance and the key challenges facing the sector in the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year.

The discussion was attended by representatives from regional governments, coffee exporters, suppliers, value-added coffee exporters, industry associations, cooperatives and unions, and other relevant parties across the Ethiopian coffee supply chain.

Export Performance Review and Global Market Outlook

The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority presented a detailed report on coffee export performance up to the current month of the fiscal year. In addition, both the Ministry and ECTA jointly presented a research document covering the general situation of the global coffee market and projected future market trends.

This dual presentation gave attendees a comprehensive view of where Ethiopia stands in the global market and the conditions shaping demand and pricing in key import destinations.

Minister Addisu Arega: Quality Is the Foundation of Competitiveness

In his speech, Minister of Agriculture Ato Addisu Arega highlighted the significant role of coffee in earning foreign exchange for the country. "Although the current global price fluctuations are challenging, we must ensure our competitiveness by providing quality products," the Minister said.

He confirmed that the government will continue to strengthen its support to the sector. Ato Addisu also urged stakeholders to conduct business in a manner that protects the interests of both farmers and the country, and noted that challenges in the value chain can be addressed and resolved jointly with relevant parties.

ECTA Director General Calls for Modern, Reliable Trading System

The Director General of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, Dr. Adugna Debela, stressed the importance of stakeholder coordination in addressing supply chain challenges. "Our main goal is to establish a modern trading system that benefits producers and farmers and increases the country's export income," he said.

Dr. Adugna compared the global coffee price forecast with historical trends and emphasized that trading practices which benefit both sector participants and the government are ones rooted in producing quality coffee and supplying it reliably to the market.

Consensus on Building an Information-Based Trading System

During the consultation forum, participants presented in detail the challenges they faced in the course of their work. The forum reached a consensus on measures that would ensure the effectiveness of Ethiopia's coffee supply in the world market by establishing a modern and reliable trading system grounded in accurate, timely market information.

The outcome reflects growing alignment across government, exporters, and the supply chain on the need for transparency, coordination, and quality as the foundation of Ethiopia's long-term coffee export competitiveness.