Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tefera Derbew Yimam (center) at a press conference in Beijing, on September 8, 2025 Photo: Dong Feng/GT

The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in China hosted a press conference on Ethiopia-China Coffee, Culture, and Tourism Industries Cooperation in Beijing on September 8. At an exclusive interview, Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tefera Derbew Yimam told the Global Times that the culturally rooted interaction between coffee and tea has become a role model for South-South cooperation.  

In his remarks, Ambassador Tefera Derbew said that the 2024-25 fiscal year has been a landmark period for Ethiopian coffee globally, and the driving force behind this incredible growth is increasingly centered on China. "Ethiopia exported over 468,967 metric tons of our finest Arabica coffee, generating a record-breaking $2.653 billion in revenue," he briefed the press conference. 

China has become one of the top five global destinations for Ethiopian coffee, a dramatic rise from its 33rd position just a few years ago, the ambassador said. 

"In the last fiscal year [2024-25], Ethiopia exported over 34,000 tons of coffee to China, earning over $218 million. This represents a significant portion of our export growth," said the ambassador. 

He also added that Ethiopia has set a national export target for the current fiscal year (2025-26), a goal in which China will play a pivotal role.

In his warm invitation to Chinese investment partners, the ambassador said, "We celebrate a record-breaking year for Ethiopian coffee, a success story made possible by the dedication of our farmers and the growing appreciation from friends in China."

In the ambassador's view, Ethiopia's coffee culture is unique because it is deeply rooted in tradition, community, and identity. Ethiopian coffee preparation goes far beyond just drinking. It is a ritual. More than a beverage in Ethiopia, it is a centuries-old cultural treasure; a symbol of hospitality, unity, and conversation. 

The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony where family members, neighbors, and guests gather to roast, make, and share it together embodies values that resonate deeply with the spirit of respect, patience, and openness among the community, the ambassador said. 

Talking about shared elements in Ethiopian coffee culture and Chinese tea culture, he said that Chinese tea is truly remarkable in how it reflects the depth of Chinese tradition. "From my observation, both Ethiopian coffee culture and Chinese tea culture share profound similarities. In both, preparation is an art, not just a process; it carries respect, patience, and symbolism," he said. 

Both are rooted in hospitality, where serving coffee or tea is an act of welcoming and honoring guests. 

Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tefera Derbew Yimam Photo: Chen Tao/GT

"Most importantly, they [coffee and tea] both create moments of togetherness, where people slow down, connect, and build relationships. This shared spirit of ceremony and community is what makes our cultures resonate so strongly with each other," the ambassador said. 

From the ambassador's point of view, the Coffee Festival carries a special meaning. Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, and China, the home of tea, are joined by two ancient cultures where these beverages are more than drinks; they are symbols of friendship, respect, and shared humanity. 

The ambassador affirmed that "as we celebrate coffee here in China, we also celebrate the growing partnership between our two countries, rooted in history but looking toward the future. Coffee and tea remind us that while our traditions are distinct, our values of community, hospitality, and dialogue bring us closer together."

Moreover, climate change poses a severe threat to coffee growers worldwide. From Ethiopia's perspective, the country's coffee sector faces serious risks from climate change. Rising temperatures, and the spread of pests and diseases threaten both the quality and quantity of coffee production.

For Ethiopia, where millions of smallholder farmers depend on coffee, climate change is not only an agricultural challenge, but also a livelihood and economic challenge.

The ambassador also shared his outlook on bilateral cooperation in helping farmers adapt to and deal with these challenges.

China and Ethiopia can work together in several practical ways: Research and technology - sharing climate-smart agricultural techniques, drought-resistant varieties, and advanced irrigation methods; capacity building - training farmers in sustainable practices and digital tools for weather forecast and market access; investment and infrastructure - supporting better processing facilities, storage, and transportation to reduce losses and increase resilience; and green development - promoting renewable energy and environmentally friendly farming systems to reduce vulnerability.

From the ambassador's observation, the Ethiopia-China coffee partnership is more than a trade link. It is a model of South-South cooperation in action. "For us, cooperation means concrete results: Ethiopian farmers gain better technology, higher incomes, and wider market access, while Chinese consumers enjoy authentic, high-quality coffee. This is what we call a true win-win: Both sides grow together," he said. 

The ambassador also explained why the bilateral cooperation is tangible.

"It is tangible because we are not only speaking of friendship, but implementing joint projects, building supply chains, and creating opportunities that uplift people's lives. Our partnership demonstrates that developing countries can chart a shared path of prosperity rooted in solidarity, equality, and mutual respect," he noted. 

Beyond trade, the "dialogue between coffee and tea" strengthens the people-to-people bonds between the two countries. The exchange between Ethiopian coffee and Chinese tea is more than cultural. 

The ambassador said that "the mutual appreciation builds empathy and respect, strengthening the people-to-people connections that are the foundation of our bilateral relations."

In the ambassador's vision, for the next chapter of the Ethiopia-China coffee story, the goal is to make Ethiopian coffee not just a product on Chinese shelves, but also a shared cultural experience. 

"We aim to expand trade, invest in sustainable farming, and deepen direct links between Ethiopian growers and Chinese consumers. At the same time, we want coffee to become part of cultural exchanges, education, tourism, and innovation. The next chapter is about building a partnership where coffee and tea together symbolize not only history, but also creativity, resilience, and shared prosperity," said the ambassador.