ETHIOPIA. BLOG 1 – 14/11/25 – LONDON TO ADDIS.

I haven’t been to a coffee growing country since just before COVID way back in 2020. I remember vividly the front page of Time magazine with the premier of China wearing a facemask and thinking we’d never see that here. Wrong!

COVID broke the momentum and like so many things I’ve struggled to re-establish that connection with the countries from whom we purchase coffee. Having said that my life is also a lot more complicated as I’ve subsequently become an elected politician with space and time becoming ever more precious.

This is a rushed job, I’m joining a trip halfway through, flying out over night to Addis, catching a connecting internal flight before spending a couple of days in Jimmah. It’s my first visit to Ethiopia, an origin I’ve long wanted to visit but which sadly has simply been too dangerous due to political instability; a common feature of many coffee growing countries.

I’ve packed like a day tripper which to be honest saves a lot of time. Jersey, London Gatwick, a quick coach trip to Heathrow and next thing you know I’m on Ethiopian airline to Addis. The plane is packed with I’m told many returning “home” for Christmas.

Clearly there are lots of Ethiopian nationals on board with just a smattering of individuals like me heading out. It’s striking though how “English” most of the voices are. Britain is a truly multicultural country and I’m sure the majority here would call her their home.

In an era of vitriolic culture wars being played out through the media, it’s a demonstration that in reality the vast majority of people live their lives peaceably and form a key part of our economic prosperity.