Highlighting the growing global demand for specialty coffee from Africa, the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) has called upon coffee traders across the continent to enhance the value of their exports and halt the shipment of unprocessed coffee to international markets.
The message was conveyed during the 20th African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition, alongside the inaugural African Coffee Week, held from February 6 to 10 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event aimed to advocate for the export of value-added coffee products from Africa, drawing participation from over 800 regional and international stakeholders including roasters, traders, producers, and buyers.
Amir Hamza, Chairperson of AFCA, emphasized the imperative for African coffee-exporting nations to focus on value addition and deploy effective marketing strategies to maximize returns from coffee exports. Hamza underscored the need to address marketing challenges and curb the export of raw coffee beans, highlighting Africa's potential to deliver premium coffee products to global markets.
Encouraging coffee-exporting companies to intensify trade promotions and enhance product quality, Hamza stressed the importance of aligning with market preferences and establishing distinct brands for sustained export growth. He noted that despite Africa's rich coffee offerings, a significant portion of exports undergo blending and roasting outside the continent before being marketed globally.
According to AFCA data, Africa's coffee exports exceeded $3.6 billion in 2022, with Ethiopia and Uganda emerging as leading exporters. Hamza urged industry stakeholders to prioritize product quality and cater to evolving consumer tastes, particularly in major coffee-consuming markets such as the United States and the European Union.
Anticipating opportunities in intra-Africa trade, Hamza emphasized its potential to drive increased returns for African coffee producers. Additionally, he downplayed concerns regarding the European Union's Deforestation Regulation, stating that Africa's coffee exports are relatively insulated from its impact.
Gilbert Gatali, AFCA Executive Director, highlighted the need for enhanced agricultural practices and technological adoption to improve coffee quality and productivity. Gatali called for collaborative efforts among traders to establish robust production chains and support coffee growers in navigating challenges such as climate change, input access, and market barriers.
In conclusion, the call to elevate the value of African coffee exports reflects a concerted effort to harness the continent's coffee potential and foster sustainable growth within the global coffee market.
