Abdurahman Ababulgu
- First time cooperation: 2024
- Cooperation model: Indirect Trade
OVERVIEW
As one of the few first-generation farmers holding a direct export license, Abdurahman Ababulgu represents a new wave in the East Africa’s coffee industry. With a foundation of 6 years of experience as treasurer at the Duromina cooperative, he has transformed himself into the owner of a 10-hectare farm in Kedamessa, bringing professionalism and deep understanding to his coffee production operation.
THE COFFEE LAND OF OROMIA
Abdurahman’s farm is located in Agaro, within the Oromia region – an area stretching south and west from the capital Addis Ababa. This is not only largest coffee-producing region in here but also holds special political and cultural significance. As part of a nation that has never been colonized, this land has witnessed important historical changes, particularly the 2018 event when the first president from the Oromo tribe was elected. This opened a new era for agricultural development in the region.
DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY
Abdurahman’s journey reflects the development of East Africa’s coffee industry – the world’s 7th largest coffee-producing country. In a context where 15 million out of 100 million people depend on coffee for their livelihood, the transition from cooperative treasurer to independent producer is an ambitious and visionary move. His experience at Duromina has given him deep insights into coffee’s role in the national economy, where it accounts for 60% of foreign exchange earnings and 40% of total export revenue.
THE DIRECT EXPORT
Abdurahman’s 10-hectare farm in Kedamessa focuses on two selected coffee varieties: 74110 and 74112. What makes this operation truly special is its direct export capability – one of only three ways to bring this area’s coffee to the international market, alongside the traditional routes through the Commodity Exchange (ECX) or Cooperative Unions. Since ECX’s establishment in 2008 with 55 nationwide warehouses and 32 rural price information points serving 250,000 subscribers, the ability for a farmer to export independently is extremely rare and demands exceptional professionalism.
WHY WE CHOOSE ABDURAHMAN ABABULGU
The partnership with Abdurahman Ababulgu demonstrates XLIII Coffee’s commitment to building direct relationships with pioneering producers. His direct export model provides absolute traceability and transparency in the supply chain – core values that XLIII Coffee always seeks. Moreover, his development journey from cooperative treasurer to independent farm owner reflects the spirit of innovation and aspiration for sustainable development, perfectly aligning with our direction in building a sustainable and responsible coffee community.
