Italian Ambassador Underscores Economic Cooperation During Visit to Coffee and Tea Authority

Enduring Friendship for Superior Coffee Development

The Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E. Sem Fabrizi, conducted an official visit to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority on 20 February 2026, holding extensive discussions with the Director General, H.E Dr. Adugna Debela. During their meeting, both parties reflected on the historic, long-standing friendship between Ethiopia and Italy. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the robust economic partnership that has defined the bilateral relations between the two nations for long years.

Gratitude for Italy's Support

Dr. Adugna Debela expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Italy's unlimited support for the development of Ethiopia's coffee industry. He specifically highlighted Italy's instrumental role in establishing the Coffee Training Center, as well as its consistent technical and financial support. The Director General also presented an overview of Ethiopia's coffee industry and its successes including some critical challenges like international price volatility.

Ethiopian Coffee in Italian Hearts

H.E. Sem Fabrizi emphasized that Ethiopian coffee holds a special place in the hearts of Italian consumers, boasting unrivaled popularity. He commended the Authority's strategic efforts and pledged Italy's ongoing technical and financial support to boost Ethiopia's global standing. Ultimately, he reiterated Italy's commitment to standing side-by-side with Ethiopia to ensure sustainable growth across the coffee value chains.

Tour of the Coffee Training Center

Finally, the Ambassador visited the state-of-the-art Coffee Training Center and observed the Authority's modern online market controlling system. He expressed his admiration for the integration of technology in the coffee value chain, which aims to enhance transparency and efficiency. This visit marks another milestone in the collaborative journey to modernize Ethiopia's “green gold” and expand its footprint in the international market.