Grounds for Growth: Coffee Authority Targets New Export Highs

Aug 3 , 2025


[ssba-buttons]

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.


Radar

Dangote, EIH Break Ground on Mega Fertilizer Plant in Somali Region

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the state's sovereign investment arm, has struck a deal with Dangote Group to build one of the world's largest urea fertiliser complexes in Gode, Somali Regional State. The 2.5 billion dollars project will see EIH hold a 40pc stake while Dangote keeps 60pc. With agriculture employing over 70pc of Ethiopians, the government hopes the factory will cut fertiliser costs, create jobs, and boost crop yields while positioning the country as a regional hub. Design...


Radar

CBE Capital Joins Nib Bank for Market Expansion

Nib International Bank has partnered with CBE Capital, the investment arm of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), to expand investment banking services and shore up its finances. The deal covers advisory services, seeking to strengthen Nib's balance sheet, attracting capital, and positioning the bank in a modernising financial sector. The partnership follows a difficult year for Nib, where net profit dropped 36pc to 957.9 million Br and deposits shrank, despite paid-up capital climbing to ...


Radar

Credit Cap Nears Lift-Off

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) is preparing to lift its long-standing credit cap by September, unlocking 1.3 trillion Br in bank lending. The move, flagged by board member and State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalegn (PhD), follows years of complaints from businesses that borrowing limits choked large-scale projects. Eyob told a local radio station the reform reflects rising investor appetite and improved economic conditions, though he admitted "financing has been the biggest bottleneck for...