President Sahle-Work Zewde recognizes outstanding contributions to coffee sector

Addis Ababa, September 17, 2022 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority organized a recognition ceremony under the theme “Our Coffee for Our Unity and Prosperity” where President Sahle-Work Zewde gave awards to farmers and stakeholders who contributed to the increase of export earnings.

Ethiopia earned, for the first time, 1.4 billion dollars in coffee export. In her speech, the President explained that “it has opened the door for the private sector to play a paramount role … a country’s development depends also on the private sector”. 

She added that “coffee’s value is beyond increasing export production; it connects people and communities, it’s a place for discussion, for exchanging ideas, it connects neighbors”. 

Last year, agricultural products accounted for 72% of Ethiopia’s foreign exchange earnings of which 35% was coffee. 

President Sahle-Work acknowledged the coffee market stakeholders for their contribution, adding that recognizing their work and effort will generate great potential in the future.