CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries) Ethiopia Spice Program

Empowering Ethiopian Spice Exporters: Driving EU Market Access and Supply Chain Resilience

Location: Addis Ababa
Duration: 2023-2025

Project Overview

Through the CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries) Ethiopia Spice Program, a dedicated export coaching initiative to transition our local spice sector into a high quality, inclusive, and globally competitive industry. As the local technical partner, Mekan Quality Management and Training PLC were on the ground, driving the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems to turn this vision into reality.

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Project Details

Location: Addis Ababa
Duration: 2023-2025

Services

Global Standards & Certifications
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

Key Results

Inside the Ethiopian Spice Supply Chain: The Target Framework The CBI project strategically targets a core cohort of approximately ten exporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and critical Business Support Organizations, such as the Ethiopian Spice Sector Association (ESSA). The scope of our current technical intervention covers essential, high-value commodities: rosemary, turmeric, black pepper, and mixed spice drying and export. The Role of Mekan: Translating Global Standards into Local Success While CBI provides excellent macro guidance, international marketing coaching, and fully funds the project costs, Mekan Quality Management and Training PLC serves as the practical technical engine. Our role is to bridge the gap between complex European food regulations and daily factory operations. Our hands on impact focuses on three vital areas: Tailored Concept Development: Food safety cannot be a copy paste job. We work directly with each exporter to design a localized HACCP framework. We map the entire supply chain, identifying exactly where biological, chemical, or physical hazards could enter whether during farm level harvesting, the critical moisture drying phase, or final packaging. Mitigating the Biggest Risks: In spice exports, mold, moisture, and cross contamination are the ultimate deal breakers. Mekan implements strict monitoring protocols at the drying stage to prevent the development of harmful mycotoxins (like aflatoxins). We help facilities establish hygienic zones, pest controls, and strict sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs). Building Institutional Resilience: We don't just prepare a company for a single audit; we build an internal culture of food safety. By training local staff and setting up robust traceability logs, we ensure these businesses can confidently maintain their systems independently for years to come. From Local Farms to Global Trade Fairs The ultimate goal of this rigorous technical preparation is market access. Vetted, compliant cohorts from this program are actively coached to build long term trade relations across the EU, UK, and EFTA regions. Through CBI's export promotion, these companies get the incredible opportunity to showcase their products at world leading trade fairs like Food ingredients Europe (Fi Europe). With Mekan’s technical backing, these exporters can step onto the international stage introducing premium products and unique indigenous ingredients like Ethiopian black cardamom (Korerima) backed by the absolute confidence that their food safety systems are world class. At Mekan Quality Management and Training PLC, we are proud to partner with CBI to foster an inclusive, resilient, and highly compliant agribusiness sector that drives sustainable economic growth across Ethiopia.

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Empowering Ethiopian Spice Exporters: Driving EU Market Access and Supply Chain Resilience

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