The conference opened with a welcome address by H.E. Dr. Degela Ergano, President of Bonga University, who underscored the institution’s commitment to research excellence and its pivotal role in promoting Ethiopia’s coffee heritage.

This was followed by an opening speech from H.E. Dr. Serawit Handiso, CEO for Research, Technology Transfer and Community Service at the Ministry of Education, who highlighted the importance of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in strengthening the coffee sector.

A major highlight of the event was the keynote session, featuring five distinguished speakers: Prof. Gezahegn Berecha, H.E. Ambassador Alejandro Estivill, Mexico’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Dr. Ioannis Alexios, Dr. Harry Evans, and Mr. Werner Bauer.

Their presentations addressed critical and interconnected themes shaping the future of the global coffee industry.

The keynote addresses explored coffee production, dissemination of research and innovation, disease management, branding and market positioning, as well as mobility and decarbonization across the coffee value chain.

Speakers emphasized the urgent need for climate-resilient farming practices, effective knowledge transfer systems, strengthened plant health management, and sustainable, low-carbon approaches to production and logistics.

Particular attention was given to enhancing the global competitiveness of Ethiopian coffee through origin-based branding and quality differentiation, while ensuring that smallholder farmers benefit from innovations and market opportunities.

Participants praised the conference for its comprehensive and forward-looking approach.

The event not only reaffirmed Ethiopia’s central place in the global coffee landscape but also demonstrated Bonga University’s growing role as a hub for cutting-edge research and international collaboration.

The conference will continue with technical sessions and panel discussions aimed at translating insights into actionable strategies for the sustainable development of the coffee sector.

This was followed by an opening speech from H.E. Dr. Serawit Handiso, CEO for Research, Technology Transfer and Community Service at the Ministry of Education, who highlighted the importance of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in strengthening the coffee sector.

A major highlight of the event was the keynote session, featuring five distinguished speakers: Prof. Gezahegn Berecha, H.E. Ambassador Alejandro Estivill, Mexico’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Dr. Ioannis Alexios, Dr. Harry Evans, and Mr. Werner Bauer.

Their presentations addressed critical and interconnected themes shaping the future of the global coffee industry.

The keynote addresses explored coffee production, dissemination of research and innovation, disease management, branding and market positioning, as well as mobility and decarbonization across the coffee value chain.

Speakers emphasized the urgent need for climate-resilient farming practices, effective knowledge transfer systems, strengthened plant health management, and sustainable, low-carbon approaches to production and logistics.

Particular attention was given to enhancing the global

competitiveness of Ethiopian coffee through origin-based branding and quality differentiation, while ensuring that smallholder farmers benefit from innovations and market opportunities.

Participants praised the conference for its comprehensive and forward-looking approach.

The event not only reaffirmed Ethiopia’s central place in the global coffee landscape but also demonstrated Bonga University’s growing role as a hub for cutting-edge research and international collaboration.

The conference will continue with technical sessions and panel discussions aimed at translating insights into actionable strategies for the sustainable development of the coffee sector.

Together We Can!