Members of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Affairs of Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives have praised Daye Bensa Coffee and Tasty Specialty Coffee PLC for their innovative approach to modernising coffee production during a recent tour of their operations in Addis Ababa.

Committee Chairman, Solomon Lale, commended the two companies for their use of advanced technologies in processing, highlighting the high standards of quality and efficiency they have set. “Daye Bensa and Test Specialty Coffee are leading by example in Ethiopia’s coffee export industry. Their technological advancements and commitment to quality are crucial in elevating the sector,” he remarked.

The MPs noted the positive impact of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority’s reforms over the past four years, which have helped address long-standing challenges in the coffee sector, especially in quality assurance and stakeholder collaboration. As a result, Ethiopia has seen a noticeable increase in revenue from coffee exports.

During the visit, both companies acknowledged the support provided by the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority but also raised concerns about operational challenges, including power shortages, limited space, and transport access. The MPs assured the companies that these issues would be raised with relevant government bodies for resolution.

Dr Adugna Debela, Director General of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, reaffirmed that the Authority’s reform efforts will continue to be consolidated. As part of this, the Authority’s office is undergoing a complete renovation to create a more modern working environment. Additionally, a new helpline will be launched next week to provide vital information to actors throughout the coffee value chain.

Chief Advisor Dr Shafi Umer also presented the Authority’s nine-month performance report, revealing that Ethiopia has earned an unprecedented USD1.5 billion in coffee export revenue this year, further underlining the success of the ongoing reforms.