USAID and USDA Support Boost Ethiopian Coffee Industry, Enhancing Quality and Market Access

USAID's support has been instrumental in boosting the revenue of coffee businesses, with an average increase of 63 percent reported among supported enterprises.

Ethiopian coffee, renowned for its rich aromas and distinct flavors, plays a pivotal role in the country's economy, generating USD 1.5 billion annually in foreign exchange. The sector's success is bolstered by initiatives from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), aimed at enhancing productivity, quality, and market access for Ethiopian coffee.

Recently, USAID sponsored the prestigious Cup of Excellence coffee competition at the Hilton Hotel, celebrating Ethiopian coffee producers recognized for their premium beans, which command top prices on the global market. Participants in previous competitions have significantly improved their coffee quality, with around 20 percent achieving scores of 80 percent or higher.

USAID's support has been instrumental in boosting the revenue of coffee businesses, with an average increase of 63 percent reported among supported enterprises. Notably, 16 out of 40 participants more than doubled their revenue, underscoring the program's impact on the competitiveness of Ethiopian coffee in international markets.

Since 2020, USDA has also played a vital role in the Ethiopian coffee sector, focusing on training and infrastructure development to improve coffee production practices and ensure high-quality output. These efforts aim to strengthen Ethiopia's position in global coffee markets and provide enhanced opportunities for the country's five million smallholder farmers and cooperatives.

The collaboration between the U.S. and Ethiopia extends beyond agriculture, spanning health, education, science, and environmental conservation. This longstanding partnership, spanning 120 years, continues to enrich the lives of Ethiopians across various sectors, illustrating a commitment to mutual prosperity and sustainable development.