Dar es Salaam – African coffee-producing countries have set an ambitious goal to elevate the continent’s share of global coffee production to 20% by 2030. This significant resolution emerged as a top priority during the ongoing 3rd G25 African Coffee Summit, where ministers and experts are outlining strategies to rejuvenate the sector and maximize benefits for Africans across the entire coffee value chain.
Currently, Africa contributes only 11% to global coffee production, a stark decline from 25% in the 1960s. While global coffee demand continues to rise, the continent’s output has faced challenges, including aging farmers, climate change, pests, and minimal value addition.
Tanzania’s Minister for Agriculture emphasized the urgent need for a shift in perspective during discussions with over 20 senior officials from coffee-producing nations. He highlighted, “It’s astonishing that we export coffee worth $3 billion but import coffee products worth $50 billion. We must transition from raw material exporters to producers of value-added goods.”
He further stated, “By increasing production to 20% of global output by 2030, Africa can reclaim its rightful status in the global coffee trade,” underlining that boosting both production and local processing would generate jobs, enhance intra-African trade, and stimulate economic growth. He proposed an increase in intra-African coffee trade from the current 15% to at least 50%.
A primary topic of discussion at the summit addressed the low productivity that has hindered Africa’s competitiveness in the global coffee arena. The chairman of the Inter-African Coffee Organisation expressed concern over the industry’s decline, noting that coffee is critical for the livelihoods of 60 million people in Africa. Various obstacles, such as diseases, low yields, and an aging farmer demographic, are impeding growth.
Tanzania is proactively tackling these challenges with initiatives aimed at transforming the coffee sector. The government is investing in coffee research institutions to combat pests and climate-related threats, while introducing coffee seedlings and fertilizer subsidies for smallholder farmers to enhance productivity and maintain high-quality yields.
Among key initiatives is the Build Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme, designed to attract youth into coffee farming by providing free land and training opportunities. The government also aims to boost local coffee consumption from 7% to 15% by 2030, establishing a sustainable coffee economy that doesn’t solely rely on exports.
In a bid to enhance value addition, Tanzania is revitalizing its coffee processing capabilities and empowering cooperatives. The ultimate goal is to tap into the growing global preference for African coffee and unlock new markets across the continent while solidifying a stronger global presence.
The summit highlighted the vital role of youth in coffee production, with several leaders underscoring the need for modern agribusiness models to engage younger generations. Efforts to improve climate adaptation and productivity, such as advocating investment in disease-resistant coffee varieties and better farming technologies, were also discussed.
Furthermore, calls for better financial support mechanisms for smallholder farmers were made, emphasizing that access to credit and affordable financing is essential for enhancing productivity.
In a broader vision, a representative from the African Union Commission indicated that coffee will soon be acknowledged as a strategic commodity within the African Continental Free Trade Area. She noted that prioritizing coffee as a trade commodity is essential for realizing the potential of the AfCFTA.
As African heads of state prepare to finalize critical resolutions, there is optimism that concrete policy actions will emerge from this pivotal summit.
