Wollega is the great historic region of western Ethiopia and one of the origins that produces the most coffee, even if it is among the least known. Its coffee was sold as “Lekempti”, after the town of Nekemte, where it was traded. It is traditionally natural, with body, spice and toffee notes.
Zone: East, West and Kelem Wollega · Oromia
Towns: Nekemte, Gimbi, Dembi Dolo
Farming: Smallholders in cooperatives
Processes: Mainly natural
Trade name: Lekempti
Typical profile: Spice, melon, toffee
Wollega, Lekempti and Nekemte
Wollega is a historic region of western Oromia, now divided into several zones: East Wollega (with Nekemte), West Wollega (with Gimbi) and Kelem Wollega (with Dembi Dolo). Together they are among the zones that contribute the most coffee to the country.
“Lekempti” is the trade name under which its coffee was exported, traded in Nekemte. A common explanation is that Lekempti is the Amharic form of the name and Nekemte the Oromo one, although there is no consensus. Nekemte is home to cooperatives that supply the Oromia coffee farmers’ cooperative union.
How it tastes
Little specialty information has been published about Wollega. The lots described mention spice, melon and toffee, a very perfumed aroma and a silky body; those from Kelem, a heavier, balanced body. Lack of information is not lack of quality: it is a region little explored by specialty coffee.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lekempti coffee?
The trade name for Wollega coffee, after the town of Nekemte, where it was traded.
Are Lekempti and Nekemte the same?
Yes: they are two forms of the name of the same town in western Ethiopia.
What is Gimbi?
A town in West Wollega whose name sometimes appears as a coffee origin.