Addis Ababa – Qahwa World × Buna Kurs
Tepi Green Coffee Estate, owned by Green Coffee Agro-Industry, has announced a landmark 4.5 Billion Birr(approximately $30 million USD) modernization project, signaling a major transformation for one of Ethiopia’s most historic coffee plantations. The initiative aims to replace aging coffee trees, introduce advanced processing machinery imported from Brazil and Colombia, and implement smart farming techniques that will significantly increase productivity from 400 kilograms per hectare to 1,300 kilograms per hectare.
Currently managing 9,040 hectares across the Gambela and South West Ethiopia Peoples’ regions, the estate plans to expand to 20,000 hectares, positioning Tepi Green Coffee to potentially become the largest single coffee estate in Ethiopia. The project also strengthens direct-to-buyer export relationships with global coffee companies, including Starbucks, bypassing traditional channels and enhancing Ethiopia’s presence in international markets.
Founded in 1980 as the Teppi Coffee Development Enterprise, the estate was fully privatized in 2015 and is now owned by Redstars Holding Company, led by Tadele Abraha. Tepi Green Coffee cultivates over 15 Arabica varieties, including the world-renowned Geisha, and holds Rainforest Alliance and Organic certifications. Employing approximately 2,000 permanent staff and up to 8,000 seasonal workers, the estate directly impacts the livelihoods of nearly 20,000 people.
With Ethiopia targeting $3 billion in coffee exports this year, Tepi Green Coffee’s expansion sets a new benchmark for modern, large-scale, and sustainable coffee production in the South West and Gambella regions.
