BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has highlighted coffee as a product with the potential to significantly transform Eswatini’s economy, following his visit to Jimma District in Ethiopia’s Oromia Region.
During the visit on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi, was hosted by the Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture and the Governor of the region. The delegation spent the day learning about the district, widely recognised as the birthplace of coffee.
Jimma has long been celebrated for its thriving coffee sector, which not only generates substantial income for local communities but also provides employment opportunities for young people through agroforestry and integrated farming practices. Prime Minister Dlamini was reportedly impressed by the way the Ethiopian system combines sustainable agriculture with youth engagement, enabling a pipeline of skilled farmers and entrepreneurs.
“Jimma is the cradle of coffee, and we witnessed firsthand how coffee growing sustains livelihoods, especially for youth,” Dlamini said. “The integration of agroforestry and diversified farming shows how coffee production can be both economically and environmentally sustainable.”
The Prime Minister shared that he indulged in six cups of Ethiopia’s finest coffee during the visit and found the experience inspiring. He indicated that Eswatini has the resources and climate suitable for coffee cultivation, and that the nation could learn from Ethiopia’s model to create a new avenue for economic growth.
“It is time we take coffee cultivation to the next level in the Kingdom,” Dlamini stated. “This sector has real potential to transform our economy, create jobs, and provide livelihoods, particularly for our young people.”
The Ethiopian visit forms part of Eswatini’s broader effort to explore agricultural innovations and international partnerships that can enhance local production and value addition. By studying Ethiopia’s systems, the Eswatini delegation gained insights into sustainable farming methods, processing techniques, and market linkages that could be adapted for local conditions.
Analysts say that developing a competitive coffee industry in Eswatini could diversify the country’s agriculture sector, reduce reliance on imports, and tap into global markets increasingly demanding high-quality coffee.
The Prime Minister concluded by stressing that lessons from Jimma should serve as a blueprint for the Kingdom, encouraging investment, skill development, and entrepreneurship in coffee farming as part of a national drive to stimulate economic growth.
(Courtesy Pic)
