Richard Pankhurst records that its governor, Dejazmach Taye, amazed by the growing trade at Gambela to the west of him, during the 1920s attempted to develop exports of coffee, rubber, hides and ivory through the port town.
Richard Pankhurst records that Governor Dejazmach Taye was intrigued by the growing commerce in Gambela to the west during the 1920s. He sought to boost the export of coffee, rubber, hides, and ivory from the port city.