ISLAMABAD, August 30, 2026: Ethiopian coffee has officially made its debut in Islamabad with the inauguration of the first dedicated Ethiopian coffee cafe in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, marking another step towards strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan, inaugurated the cafe on Sunday in the presence of members of the Ethiopian community, embassy officials, and representatives of the media.
The inauguration was preceded by a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, offering participants an opportunity to experience Ethiopia’s renowned coffee culture and hospitality.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Oumer held an interactive session with media representatives and highlighted the growing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
He said the opening marked the debut of Ethiopian coffee in Pakistan through the first dedicated Ethiopian cafe in the twin cities.
“From the birthplace of humankind to the home of Arabica coffee, Ethiopia is called the Land of Origins for all the right reasons,” the ambassador said.
Ambassador Oumer noted that the cafe is owned by an Ethiopian-Pakistani couple, adding further significance to the initiative as a reflection of the growing friendship and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
The cafe has been named “Habesha,” a historic name associated with Ethiopia. The ambassador said the name also carries cultural and historical significance for many Pakistanis because of their deep reverence for Hazrat Bilal Habashi R.A. and King Nejashi.
King Nejashi is remembered in Islamic history for providing protection to the earliest Muslim migrants who travelled to Abyssinia during the First Hijra.
Reaffirming his commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Oumer emphasized the importance of expanding people-to-people relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan through greater cultural exchanges.
Naeem Hashmi, the owner of the cafe, said Habesha aims to become a platform for bringing the people of Pakistan and Ethiopia closer together.
“Through Habesha, we want to create a space that brings Pakistan and Ethiopia closer together, a platform where both nations can share and discover each other’s art, culture, music, and tourism,” Hashmi said.
The opening of Habesha is expected to introduce more Pakistani consumers to Ethiopian coffee while creating a new platform for cultural interaction and promoting greater awareness of Ethiopia’s traditions, tourism, and heritage.