Ethiopia’s coffee exports hit record US$2.65B in 2024/25 fiscal year 

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia earned a record US$2.653 billion from coffee exports during the 2024/2025 Ethiopian fiscal year, the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) has announced.  

The revenue was generated from the export of 468,967 metric tons of coffee, marking a major milestone for the country’s leading agricultural export. 

The performance significantly exceeded the government’s expectations. According to ECTA, export volume achieved 144% of the original target, while revenue surpassed 147% of the projected goal. 

Adugna Debela, Director General of ECTA, credited the achievement to the government’s ongoing economic reforms, which have focused on boosting coffee productivity and enhancing quality standards.  

“While this is a remarkable achievement, there remains significant untapped potential ahead,” Debela said. 

The coffee export volume grew by 170,478.2 metric tons, while revenue increased by US$1.226 billion compared to the previous fiscal year.  

Authorities also highlighted the growing international demand for Ethiopian coffee—renowned for its distinct flavor profiles—and increasing global coffee consumption as major contributors to the growth. 

The Ethiopian Coffee Association also cited the government’s strategic focus on strengthening foreign exchange earnings from the coffee sector as a vital factor in the export success. 

In line with efforts to professionalize the sector, the Ethiopian government revised regulations for coffee exporters.  

A new directive requires a minimum capital of 15 million birr for those seeking to enter the export business, up from the previous 1.5 million birr requirement. The increase in licensing cost is intended to ensure only qualified and well-capitalized exporters participate in the trade. 

Ethiopia, widely recognized as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, remains one of Africa’s top coffee producers and exporters. Coffee production continues to play a central role in the country’s agriculture-led economy. 

To support continued sectoral growth, the government recently launched a Steering Committee to oversee the National Coffee Platform.  

First introduced in November 2023, the platform aims to promote collaboration across the value chain, involving farmers, cooperatives, exporters, government bodies, and private sector stakeholders. 

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