This February, we attended the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) Conference and Exhibition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
AFCA is one of Africa's most important coffee events, bringing together producers, exporters, roasters, traders, researchers, and coffee professionals from around the world. This year's edition carried particular significance as it was hosted in Ethiopia ,the birthplace of Arabica coffee and a country whose influence on coffee continues to be felt across the industry.
Beyond the exhibitions, presentations, and cuppings, what stood out most was the opportunity for meaningful connections. Hosting AFCA in Ethiopia allowed many local farmers, cooperative leaders, producers, and emerging coffee professionals to participate in conversations that would otherwise require international travel and significant resources. For many, the global coffee community was able to meet them where they are.
Throughout the event, I witnessed conversations between people working at every level of the coffee value chain; from those cultivating coffee in producing regions to buyers, roasters, and industry leaders visiting from abroad. These exchanges are invaluable. They create opportunities, build understanding, and strengthen relationships across markets.
As someone passionate about connecting people through coffee, it was inspiring to see so many of those conversations taking place close to the roots of coffee itself.
With AFCA now looking ahead to its next edition in Uganda, I am already looking forward to continuing those discussions and reconnecting with members of the coffee community from across Africa and beyond.
If you'll be attending AFCA Uganda, I would be delighted to connect along the way.
Some of the most meaningful opportunities in coffee begin with a conversation.
