The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) has introduced a new directive raising capital requirements for coffee exporters, aiming to curb illegal practices and professionalize the sector. Under Directive 1106/2025, private exporters must now hold a minimum capital of Birr 15 million, up from 1 million. Trade associations and companies like joint stock and limited liability firms face an increase from Birr 1.5 million to 20 million. The directive also mandates that all exporters, except farmer-exporters, operate an ECTA-certified coffee lab and employ a qualified taster with at least a diploma and renewed proficiency certificate. The directive took effect last week, reshaping Ethiopia’s coffee export landscape.