Ethiopia Remains Committed to Play Leading Role in Shaping Africa’s Coffee Industry: IACO Chair
Addis Ababa November 26/2024 (ENA)- Inter-Africa Coffee Organization (IACO) Chairman and Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente has expressed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to play a leading role in shaping the African coffee industry.
Opening the second-phase of the 64th IACO annual meetings and High-level policy forum today, the chairperson said Ethiopia takes an immense stride in its enduring legacy as a global leader in the coffee sector.
As Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, the Chairman emphasized this commodity is far more than an economic crop, adding that it is a cultural symbol and a pillar of the nation’s economy.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to play a leading role in shaping Africa’s coffee industry and addressing the global challenge it faces.”
A report indicates that Ethiopia planted more than 8.5 billion coffee seedlings in the last five years following the special attention and policy support given to the sector.
The country also earned 1.43 billion USD last year and planning to earn 2 billion USD this season.
For the chairman, Ethiopia has consistently championed in efforts over the years to improve the productivity, quality and market accessibility of African coffee.
Stating that Climate change, price volatility and regulatory frameworks among others as the challenges of Africa’s coffee sector, he said Ethiopia continues to provide leadership in ensuring that Africa coffee remains competitive at the global stage.
Moreover, he added that as a host of IACO’s 64th annual meeting, we are determined to foster meaningful dialogue and action that benefits all.
IACO Secretary General, Ambassador Solomon Rutega said for his part that the collaboration of diverse group of experts including from government, private sector, CSOs and international organizations is instrumental to address challenges.
“We believe that this collective expertise is invaluable in addressing the pressing challenges facing the African coffee sector.”
IACO remains committed and strongly believes that by collaborating as a united platform the Africa coffee sector can build resilience, competitiveness and promote sustainable growth, he pointed out.
Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority Director General Adugna Debela stressed that coordinated actions are necessary to exploit Africa’s huge coffee potential and the continent’s opportunities in the sector.
Noting that Ethiopia has been shown its commitment by giving special attention and policy support to the coffee sector, he said the country also prioritizes for increasing quality and productivity, among others.
On behalf of the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Special Advisor to the commissioner, Professor Afeikhena Jerome affirmed that coffee is an important commodity in many African countries.
In fact, the continent has the highest number of coffee producing countries in the world and the largest population involved in growing and processing coffee, he further noted.
