The discussion sought to increase localisation to enhance food security in the region while looking to improve the quality of life for citizens through stimulating economic growth in one of the country's key sectors. It further sought to bring key stakeholders together in a first step to increase local value addition and industrialisation.
Among the topics that were discussed, included ways to increase coffee processing and packaging that is adequate for domestic, regional and export retail markets.
Bosch Packaging Technology has around 130,000 energy efficient packaging machines installed and running in 13,000 factories worldwide. It has a presence in 170 countries with its portfolio including 250 different machine types in 40 business sectors.
Its culture of doing business with a conscience led to the company's involvement in the United Nations' 'Save Food' initiative since 2011. The programme aims to find solutions to global food losses and waste and ensure less food is lost en-route to customers and by customers themselves. Bosch Packaging Technology allows food to be transported better over long distances for end users in emerging markets.
"As part of the Bosch Group we offer best-in-class technologies that are invented for life in the truest sense. Our machines, solutions and services provide vital support to human health and nutrition - especially in emerging markets such as those in Africa," said Dr Markus Thill, president of Bosch Africa.
"Our machines are robust, long-lasting, easy-to-use and boast low energy consumption. This is why we believe that, together with key stakeholders, we can assist and support the development of the coffee sector in Ethiopia."
Ethiopia is a major player in the world coffee market. It is presently the sixth largest producer in the world, exporting over 150,000 tons a year. However, the country exports more than 90% of its raw commodity and thus it is unrefined, unprocessed and unpackaged. This means that the overwhelming majority of the profits are generated out of the country.
Now Bosch Packaging Technology is taking the lead in developing public-private partnerships to create an environment for entrepreneurs and farmers to actively participate in the industry through processing, roasting, manufacturing, packaging and even distributing raw coffee.
"We believe that technology is the best way that the coffee industry can move up the value chain in Ethiopia and compete globally. This is why the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation works with companies like Bosch to make this a reality," said Vandan Rughani, managing director of Bosch East Africa.
"Bosch views this initiative as crucial to the progress of the African continent both in terms of economic development and sustainability as well as enhancing food security. It is a partnership as our business model is underpinned by creating long-term, sustainable solutions for emerging and developing markets."
He said that the round table is merely the first step to ensure Ethiopia maximises the country's coffee resources for greater socio-economic development. "Agriculture accounts for almost half of the country's GDP. In addition, Ethiopia is one of Africa's fastest growing economies and now is the time for it to stimulate its micro and macro economies that benefits all its people. And technology helps in this regard."
Dr Thill said technology is made available to local entrepreneurs and farmers to improve food security, eradicate wastage and build new industries. "We have already started supplying packaging machinery to local business people and farmers and cooperatives. This allows them to process and package local coffee and thus leverage growth throughout the value chain."
