Bosch at the forefront of developing the coffee industry in Ethiopia

The Bosch Group hosted the 1st International Coffee Processing and Packaging Round Table in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday. 

Ethiopia is believed to be the birthplace of coffee with one in every five citizens presently involved in the industry.

Bosch Packaging Technology has around 130,000 energy efficient packaging machines installed and running in 13,000 factories worldwide.

Dr Markus Thill, the President of Bosch Africa, says in 2013 Bosch Packaging Technology received 77,000 global orders alone, explained: “As part of the Bosch Group we offer best-in-class technologies that are ‘invented for life’ in the truest sense. Our machines, solutions and services provide vital support to human health and nutrition – especially in emerging markets such as those in Africa.”

He added: “And our machines are robust, long-lasting, easy-to-use and boast low energy consumption. This is why we believe that, together with key stakeholders, we can assist and support the development of the coffee sector in Ethiopia.”

Ethiopia is the sixth largest producer of coffee in the world

Ethiopia is a major player in the world coffee market. It is presently the sixth largest producer in the world, exporting over 150,000 tons a year. However, the country exports more than 90% of its raw commodity and thus it is unrefined, unprocessed and unpackaged. This means that the overwhelming majority of the profits are generated out of the country. 

Now Bosch Packaging Technology is taking the lead in developing public-private partnerships to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and farmers to actively participate in the industry through the processing, roasting, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of raw coffee. 

Mr Vandan Rughani, Managing Director of Bosch East Africa continues: “We believe that technology is the best way that the coffee industry can move up the value chain in Ethiopia and compete globally. This is why UNIDO works with companies like Bosch to make this a reality. Bosch views this initiative as crucial to the progress of the African continent both in terms of economic development and sustainability as well as enhancing food security. It is a partnership as our business model is underpinned by creating long-term, sustainable solutions for emerging and developing markets.”

He said that the round table is merely the first step to ensure Ethiopia maximises the country’s coffee resources for greater socio-economic development.

“Agriculture accounts for almost half of the country’s GDP. In addition, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s fastest growing economies and now is the time for it to stimulate its micro and macro economies that benefits all its people. And technology helps in this regard.”