Mustefa Abakeno

Mustefa Abakeno is a highly respected coffee producer and exporter operating out of Beshasha Kebele in the Agaro region of Ethiopia's Jimma Zone. Managing an 18-hectare farm, he has become a central figure in the local coffee landscape, known for bridging traditional Ethiopian coffee heritage with modern, quality-focused processing methods. His influence extends beyond his own land, as he operates washing stations that process coffee from over 200 outgrowers, including 36 of his immediate neighbors, fostering a community-driven approach to specialty production.

Mustefa’s career is defined by his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Before establishing his independent operations, he was instrumental in the formation of the Hunda Oli Cooperative and the Kata Meduga Cooperative Union, both of which are significant entities in the region. His deep involvement in these organizations helped establish the infrastructure and quality standards that continue to define the Agaro coffee profile today.

In 2018, Mustefa became one of the first smallholder farmers to obtain a direct export license following a 2017 Ethiopian government proclamation that allowed producers to bypass traditional auction systems. This shift was a pivotal moment in his career, enabling him to build direct relationships with international roasters and retain more value from his harvest. This transition required not only administrative skill but also a commitment to rigorous quality control, which he maintains through precise processing protocols.

On his farm, Mustefa cultivates varieties developed by the Jimma Agricultural Research Center, specifically 74110 and 74112. These varieties are well-adapted to the high-altitude conditions of his farm, which sits between 2,000 and 2,100 meters above sea level. His processing methods are highly regarded for their consistency; he utilizes both washed and natural processes, often employing submerged fermentation for his washed lots and careful, shaded drying on raised beds to preserve the coffee's aromatic complexity and structural clarity.

Beyond his technical expertise, Mustefa is an advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. He has worked with international partners to implement farm renovation and composting techniques, which he shares with his outgrower network. This commitment to education and community development ensures that the quality of coffee produced in his area remains high, benefiting both the local farmers and the global specialty market that seeks out his lots.

For roasters and consumers, the name Mustefa Abakeno has become synonymous with high-scoring, vibrant Ethiopian coffee. His lots are frequently cited for their refined structure, often exhibiting notes of stone fruit, floral aromatics, and tea-like clarity. By maintaining control over the entire supply chain—from cultivation and harvesting to processing and export—Mustefa provides a model of transparency and excellence that continues to influence the specialty coffee sector.