Grounds for Growth: Coffee Authority Targets New Export Highs

Aug 3 , 2025

Ethiopia is aiming to break its own record in the global coffee trade, with the Ethiopian Coffee & Tea Authority targeting over 3 billion dollars in export revenues from coffee, tea, and spices for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The announcement came during a performance review and planning meeting held in Adama on July 31, 2025, drawing federal and regional officials, sector experts, and stakeholders. The Authority’s Director General, Adugna Debela (PhD), revealed plans to raise coffee export volumes to 600,000 tons up from last year's 470,000 tons, which generated an unprecedented 2.65 billion dollars. He credited the record-breaking performance to coordinated action among federal agencies, regional governments, exporters, and farmers. "This momentum positions us to reach and possibly exceed our 3-billion-dollar target," said Adugna, citing the expansion of Ethiopian coffee’s international reach from 60 to 84 countries as proof that strategic investments in logistics and marketing are paying off. Deputy Director and Trade Head Shafi Oumer underscored the importance of quality control and branding, particularly in high-value European markets. He stressed that scientifically verified, traceable coffee could secure stronger returns and boost competitiveness. Deputy Director for Development, Tagay Nuru, pointed to the growing yield of rejuvenated coffee trees, while Strategic Affairs Head Bonsaa Merga noted that last year's combined export revenue from coffee, tea, and spices surpassed previous benchmarks by over one billion dollars. Authority officials are doubling down on federal-regional coordination to meet the ambitious targets. Adugna called for enhanced compliance, traceability, and quality standards to further elevate Ethiopia’s standing in the international market.