Addis Ababa, September 29, 2025 (FMC) — The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to elevate the country’s coffee sector, targeting major gains in both quality and volume to secure a stronger foothold in the international market.
As part of this effort, ECTA inaugurated the Dilla Coffee Quality Inspection and Certification Center today, the first facility of its kind in the region. The center is designed to streamline the coffee trade by shortening supply chains, lowering costs, and enhancing efficiency.
Speaking at the ceremony, ECTA Director General Adugna Debela reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to delivering top-quality coffee to global buyers. He said that expanding inspection and certification facilities is critical to that ambition, particularly for Yirgachefe coffee, prized worldwide for its unique flavor. Adugna stressed that ensuring a consistent and reliable supply is essential for the new center to reach its full potential.
Southern Ethiopia Regional State Deputy Chief Administrator Abebayehu Tadesse highlighted the region’s natural endowments for coffee cultivation, noting that Yirgachefe and Amaro are especially known for premium-grade beans. Beyond quality control, he said the new center would also serve as a hub for research and training, helping farmers adopt modern practices. He further underscored the need to build a more efficient marketing system to address persistent challenges in the sector.
Echoing this view, Gedeo Zone Chief Administrator Zinabu Wolde pointed to ongoing coffee renovation programs that have already raised both yields and quality. He added that efforts are underway to expand direct foreign trade channels, allowing farmers to capture greater value from their crops.
From the perspective of suppliers, the facility answers a long-standing demand. Iyasu Warasa, Chairman of the Gedeo Zone Coffee Suppliers Association, said the center’s establishment in Dilla will substantially cut transport costs and reduce delays in the trade process. He revealed that the association contributed over 17 million birr to help bring the project to standard, with the broader goal of eventually positioning the center as an exporter itself.
The inauguration brought together senior federal, regional, and zonal leaders, along with farmers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, signaling a unified commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s coffee competitiveness on the world stage.