June 05, 2025
The first Ethio-Morocco Coffee Traders Partnership Forum was successfully held on Tuesday (May 27) in Casablanca, aimed at enhancing trade relations between Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Morocco.
The event brought together eight leading Ethiopian coffee exporters and forty-five Moroccan coffee buyers, serving as a strategic platform to foster direct business engagement and strengthen bilateral commercial ties.
The forum is organized by the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Rabat, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Coffee Association and the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services, aimed at unlocking new trade and investment opportunities in the coffee sector.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Nardos Ayalew underscored the deep-rooted diplomatic and cultural ties between Ethiopia and Morocco. While acknowledging the historical and cordial relationship both nations enjoy, she noted that economic cooperation particularly in trade and investment, has not yet reached its full potential. The Ambassador noted that, “ it is time to translate the mutual interests expressed by both sides into tangible outcomes by unlocking massive opportunities and maximizing trade and investment cooperation.”
Ambassador Nardos also highlighted Ethiopia’s global recognition as the birthplace of coffee and its reputation for producing premium quality Arabica beans. She emphasized the growing appreciation for specialty coffee among Moroccan consumers and noted the evolving sophistication of the local market, positioning Ethiopian coffee as an ideal fit for Morocco’s demand.
She also noted the opportunities in Ethiopia’s recent economic reforms and market liberalization efforts, including the opening of key sectors like telecommunications and banking sectors to foreign investment. She stressed Ethiopia’s membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its progressing accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as additional incentives for Moroccan investors. Finally, she encouraged and called upon the Moroccan private sector to explore investment opportunities not only in coffee but also in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and ICT sectors identified as priorities for Ethiopia’s sustainable development.
A comprehensive presentation was delivered by Takele Mamo, head of the delegation of the Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association, outlining Ethiopia’s unique coffee production landscape, bean varieties, quality attributes, and major export destinations. He also expressed strong interest in building long-term partnerships with Moroccan buyers and distributors.
Hassen Berkani, President of the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services, warmly welcomed the Ethiopian business delegation. He highlighted the growing consumer demand for high-quality coffee in Morocco’s urban centers and affirmed that Ethiopian coffee is ideally positioned to meet these emerging preferences. He also assured that, “This forum marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ethio-Moroccan trade relations.” Finally, he encourages all traders to actively participate in the B2B sessions and explore mutually beneficial partnerships.
The next day, on Wednesday (May 28), key Moroccan coffee importers, roasters, and distributors took part in organized site visits and business programs. These visits provided Ethiopian exporters a better understanding of the Moroccan market landscape and allowed for deeper discussions on collaborative strategies.
Overall, the forum was deemed a loud success, with participants engaging in meaningful dialogue, exploring partnership opportunities, and laying a strong foundation for sustained commercial collaboration between the two nations in the coffee sector and beyond.