DU: June 26, 2026GC (PIR)
Dilla University has unveiled and validated the Buna School, a new online training platform for online coffee education, during the closing workshop of the GIZ–SUVASE Project at the Hayatt Regency in Addis Ababa.
The platform, jointly developed by Dilla University, IMAP, and YA Coffee with funding from GIZ–SUVASE, is designed to deliver digital online training in coffee science, economics, and professional skills.
Over the six-year project, GIZ–SUVASE supported trainees from Jimma and Illubabor zones, using Dilla University’s ready-made curriculum to strengthen Ethiopia’s coffee value chain.
Dilla University’s President Tolassa Dadi (PhD) described the initiative as “highly relevant and impactful,” noting its role in advancing technology-enabled learning and industry capacity building. He confirmed that the program will begin with core infrastructure and governance requirements before expanding.
Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, Habtamu Temesgen (PhD), praised GIZ and the project team for their contribution, emphasizing that Buna School represents a significant step toward sustainable growth in Ethiopia’s coffee sector.
During the session, Dr. Alemu Desa, Director of the Coffee Research and Training Institute, and Bekele Worku, E-Learning Instructional Designer for Buna School, presented updates on the project’s status and outlined how the university is managing the platform and the future strategy.
Their remarks emphasized the integration of DU’s coffee science curriculum with digital learning tools, ensuring that the program is both accessible and sustainable.
The presentations underscored DU’s commitment to building capacity in coffee education and professional development, while aligning with Ethiopia’s broader efforts to modernize agricultural supply chains.
The GIZ–SUVASE Project, which has worked for six years to enhance sustainability and value addition in agricultural supply chains, concludes with Buna School as one of its flagship outcomes.
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