Preparing for Ethiopia’s First Premium Olive Oil Production

The Lalibela Olive Tree Project is moving closer to one of its most important milestones—the establishment of a modern olive oil production facility. This next phase will transform locally grown olives into premium-quality olive oil, creating new opportunities for farmers, generating employment, and adding value to Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

After the successful cultivation of 3,000 olive trees that produce fruit annually, the project is now focused on building the infrastructure needed to process olives locally and supply high-quality olive oil to both domestic and international markets.

From Orchard to Olive Oil

Producing olive oil locally is an important step in creating a complete and sustainable value chain. Instead of selling raw olives, the project will process the harvest into premium olive oil, increasing its value and creating greater economic returns for local communities.

The planned processing facility will include modern equipment for olive cleaning, pressing, filtration, bottling, and packaging, ensuring high standards of quality and food safety.

Creating Jobs and Supporting Communities

The olive oil production facility will create new employment opportunities in processing, packaging, quality control, marketing, and distribution. It will also provide a reliable market for olives grown by local farmers, helping to increase household incomes and strengthen the local economy.

Profits from olive oil sales will be reinvested into community development programmes, including irrigation systems, clean water projects, agricultural training, and support for rural farmers.

Bringing Ethiopian Olive Oil to the World

One of the long-term goals of the project is to introduce premium Ethiopian olive oil to international markets. By producing high-quality olive oil that meets global standards, the project aims to promote Ethiopia as an emerging producer while generating valuable foreign exchange earnings for the country.

Looking Ahead

The establishment of the olive oil production facility represents a major step towards achieving the vision of the Lalibela Olive Tree Project. With continued support from partners, donors, and local communities, this initiative will strengthen sustainable agriculture, create lasting economic opportunities, and contribute to a greener and more prosperous Ethiopia.

Together, we are transforming the fruits of our olive trees into a source of hope, opportunity, and sustainable development.