Researchers now have unlocked the genome of the Arabica species and traced its origins to a natural mating between two other coffee species an estimated 610,000 to one million years ago in the forests of Ethiopia. That makes this species older than our own species Homo sapiens, which arose in Africa about 300,000 years ago. The researchers sequenced the genomes of 39 Arabica varieties, including a specimen from the 18th century, to create the highest quality genome to date of this species, whose scientific name is Coffea arabica. They also uncovered a specific region of the genome that may be pivotal for breeding or genetically engineering disease resistance…The research showed that Arabica’s population rose and fell over the millennia as the climate warmed and cooled. It was first cultivated by people in Ethiopia and Yemen, and then spread around the world.

The UK pledged humanitarian aid to provide lifesaving support for hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians, including over 435,000 children and mothers suffering from malnutrition and more than 230,000 needing access to emergency healthcare.  

The new UK funding will treat the worst cases of acute malnutrition, covering critical gaps in nutrition supplies. It will also increase access to safe water and sanitation, while providing emergency cash and social protection to increase food security and resilience in vulnerable communities. The UK’s support will boost Ethiopians’ access to primary health care services including access to ambulance care, antenatal care, vaccinations, and ensuring women have a skilled healthcare worker when they give birth.

The Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell will announce the £100 million boost to UK funding at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Ethiopia pledging conference in Geneva today where he will call on the international community to step up support to address the worsening situation.  

Ethiopia, alongside other fast-growing African economies, is poised for a significant increase in its population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), according to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report by Henley & Partners. Currently, Ethiopia houses approximately 2,700 millionaires, but projections suggest a robust growth in this demographic over the next ten years.

The report, now in its ninth edition, estimates that the continent’s millionaire population will expand by 65%, buoyed by emerging markets like Ethiopia. The total investable wealth in Africa now stands at USD 2.5 trillion, with Ethiopia poised to contribute increasingly to this figure amidst its economic developments.

Despite challenges such as currency depreciation and migration of wealth, the report highlights significant growth opportunities in nations like Ethiopia. The country’s economic policies and developing sectors are expected to foster a conducive environment for wealth accumulation and investment.

Among the wealth markers, cities like Addis Ababa are predicted to become crucial hubs for wealth generation in the region. The growth in millionaire numbers will also likely boost local economies, providing more opportunities for luxury real estate and high-end services.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officially launched the Feed the Future Ethiopia Highlands Resilience Activity, a USD $60 million initiative. Building on USAID’s longstanding investments in Ethiopia’s highlands, the program will connect 120,000 vulnerable households to markets and financial resources to improve their livelihoods. Many of the beneficiaries are graduates of the Ethiopia Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP).                                  

Over the next five years (2023-2028), the Highlands Resilience Activity will be led by Mercy Corps, with support from five local NGOs and two technical partners, the activity will operate in six regions: Amhara, Tigray, Oromia, Sidama, South, and Central Ethiopia.

 Speaking at the launch event, Amber Lily Kenny, the Director of USAID’s Economic Growth and Resilience Office, stated, “USAID is happy to support households to withstand unexpected setbacks and achieve food security and independence from support programs. We believe the Highlands Resilience Activity will help many Ethiopians by providing different ways for families to earn a living, benefit from trade, and offer financial help.”