Ethiopia - Wako Jegso

Our premium range is all about showcasing the best of what coffee can be, and the region of Yirgacheffe in Ethiopia produces some of the most sought after naturally processed coffee worldwide. This delicious example is no exception, and comes to us thanks to the hardwork of Omwani Coffee, and their Ethiopian trade partner, Mecota Trading. 

Mecota Trading was founded with the objective of consolidating microlots from smallholder farmers into viable export lots, offering a sustainable pathway to market for coffee farmers who otherwise would face barriers in reaching international buyers. Before founding Mecota Trading, Moata Raya spent 15 years working with TechnoServe on infrastructure projects that aimed to help Ethiopian producers find alternative markets outside of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange, which often obscures the traceability of coffee.

Mecota’s work enable smallholder farmers like Wako Jegso to be able to export their premium coffees globally. Wako’s farm is located in Halo Bariti Kebele at 2100m, and he and his family grow coffee, but also cultivate fruit trees and practise beekeeping on the same land.
A father of 18 children (10 daughters and 8 sons), Wako inherited the land from his father and has continued the family’s coffee farming tradition. For many years, he sold his cherries to local coffee processing stations, though the income was modest and not very rewarding. However, with proper support and market access, Wako’s farm holds great potential for producing specialty coffee that reflects the rich heritage and biodiversity of Yirgacheffe.

Currently, Mecota Trading exports an average of 60 tons of green coffee per year, working closely with smallholder farmers just like Wako to enhance the quality of their production. The company’s long-term goal is to establish its own washing and drying station near coffee-producing communities, which would streamline processing and reduce logistical challenges. This facility would help increase Mecota's processing capabilities and expand its impact on the local coffee sector. Mecota also intends to eventually offer farmers pre-financing, so that they can focus on cultivating exceptional coffees without having to worry about money.