OFFICIALS at the just-ended 20th African Fine Coffees Conference, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, have emphasised the critical importance of prioritising value-added coffee exports as African coffee continues to gain popularity globally.
Speaking during the conference, Amir Hamza, chairperson of the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA), stressed the urgency for African coffee-exporting nations to focus on value addition and robust marketing strategies. ‘Africa boasts some of the finest coffees globally, but poor marketing and the export of unprocessed coffee remain significant challenges,’ Hamza explained.
He further emphasised the need for African coffee exporters to enhance trade promotions, expand markets, and prioritise quality and processing. ‘After the green beans are exported from Africa, they are often blended and roasted by companies outside the continent,’ Hamza noted, urging for a shift towards establishing sustainable brands for African coffee.
Data from AFCA revealed that African coffee exports exceeded $3.6bn in 2022, with Ethiopia leading as the top exporter, followed by Uganda. However, Hamza stressed the importance of aligning product quality with market preferences, particularly in major consumption markets like the EU and the US.
Gilbert Gatali, AFCA’s Executive Director, echoed Hamza’s sentiments, highlighting the challenges faced by coffee growers in Africa. ‘Coffee growers lack the necessary knowledge and technology to produce high-quality coffee,’ Gatali explained. He urged collaboration among traders to establish production chains and adopt modern technology for processed coffee exports.
Regarding the European Union’s Deforestation Regulations (EUDR), Hamza expressed confidence in Africa’s ability to navigate potential impacts. ‘Africa imports more coffee than it exports,’ he noted, indicating minimal impact on Africa’s coffee export.
As Africa’s coffee industry seeks to capitalise on its rich potential amidst evolving global dynamics, stakeholders are urged to prioritise value addition, sustainability, and market responsiveness. With concerted efforts, Africa can secure a prosperous future for its coffee growers.