The administrative pulse and economic catalyst of the Buno Bedele Zone, bridging the rich heritage of the west with global opportunity.
Bedele stands as the administrative heartbeat of the Buno Bedele Zone. Strategically positioned 492 km west of the capital, it functions as the critical trans-regional artery connecting Jimma, Metu, Gambela, and Nekemte.
Explore the comprehensive 50-page socio-economic evolution of Bedele.
Urban Footprint
5,587 Ha
Global Coordinates
8°27'N | 36°20'E
Climatic Range
15°C — 27°C
The terrain is defined by the prominent Mute Mountain massif and a network of perennial streams essential for high-value irrigation and regional biodiversity.
Foundation of the "Bede" Pot
"Long before the asphalt and industry, Bedele was a sanctuary of green hills—a natural meeting point."
Urban Evolution
What started as a rural marketplace in 1910 officially transformed into a municipal powerhouse by 1940.
The name Bedele isn't just a label; it’s a story. Oral tradition whispers of an elderly woman searching for a "Bede"—a traditional Oromo clay pot.
Centuries ago, this was the natural resting place for merchant caravans between dense coffee forests and the central highlands.
The transition from legend to Zone Capital was driven by nature. Abundant highland water and a temperate "eternal spring" climate made Bedele the undeniable choice for the administrative and industrial headquarters of the Buno Bedele region.
Leveraging premium volcanic soil and a 120-day consistent rainfall window for high-value export commodities.
Bedele is leading the transition from subsistence farming to an export-ready agro-industrial ecosystem.
Integrated hatcheries and organic white-honey extraction facilities designed for high-volume regional distribution and European export standards.
Strategic feed-lot operations utilizing brewery by-products to accelerate fattening cycles for premium beef and small ruminant markets.
Optimizing coffee, cereals, and spice production through seasonal stream irrigation and advanced agronomic soil testing.
Advanced cattle rearing and equine management utilizing high-yield industrial feedlots.
High-yield cereal and coffee production leveraging Bedele’s unique volcanic soil profile.
Fully integrated climate-controlled hatcheries focused on regional protein market expansion.
Scaling sustainable pig farming through high-tech processing units and quality meat exports.
Premium organic white-honey extraction from the pristine natural forests of Bedele.
Serving as the primary fiscal engine, Bedele hosts 1,947 registered trading entities.
The enterprise backbone of the zone, supporting a massive network of 17,453 micro-enterprises focused on local skill development.
World-renowned for its high-output brewing and artisanal woodworking industries, providing specialized employment for over 3,271 specialists.
Bedele is a vibrant mosaic of cultural heritage, defined by the harmonious coexistence of diverse ethnic groups and linguistic traditions.
94%
L1: Afaan Oromoo
3.9%
L2: Amharic
*Source: Regional Census Bureau. Minority languages include Gurage, Tigrinya, and others constituting the remaining percentage.
Bedele's strength lies in its diverse social fabric. While predominantly Oromo, the city serves as a regional refuge and hub for various ethnicities, fostering a unique culture of tolerance, inter-marriage, and shared economic goals.
| Official Role | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Tsagaye Tashome | 0910043163 | teshometsegaye22@gmail.com |
| City Manager | Fakade Arfasa | 0913320435 | --- |
| CIP / UIIDP Contact | Berhanu Gudeta | 0922249344 | kenawaq97@gmail.com |