Ethiopia launches Specialty Coffee Association (SCAE) to elevate global profile
Addis Ababa – Qahwa World×Buna Kurs Media
Ethiopia has officially inaugurated the Specialty Coffee Association of Ethiopia (SCAE), a national platform aimed at strengthening the global presence and competitiveness of its specialty coffee sector. The launch took place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, attended by prominent coffee industry stakeholders, including H.E. Dr. Efa Muleta, State Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, H.E. Dr. Adugna Debela, Director of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, and leading specialty coffee exporters.
Leadership and Mission
SCAE is led by President Ashenafi Argaw and a board of industry experts. The association’s mission is to promote Ethiopian specialty coffee internationally, uphold high quality standards, support sustainability, and create opportunities for producers, exporters, and cooperatives. The launch event also recognized the legends who have shaped Ethiopia’s specialty coffee journey and highlighted the strategic pillars that will guide the sector’s future.
Key Initiatives
A central program under SCAE is the “Best of Ethiopia” national specialty coffee auction, designed to showcase the country’s top coffees to international buyers. Inspired by successful auctions in Panama and Colombia, this initiative aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s visibility in the premium coffee segment while ensuring quality, traceability, and direct market access for producers.
SCAE will also serve as a hub for training, research, professional development, and market expansion, offering resources to strengthen Ethiopia’s coffee sector while protecting its unique varietals and biodiversity.
Global Significance
Specialty coffee associations worldwide play a vital role in connecting producers to high-value markets, professionalizing the sector, and sharing knowledge. With SCAE, Ethiopia now has a dedicated platform to ensure its story of origin, quality, and sustainability reaches the international specialty coffee community.
