Africa-Press – Cape verde. Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stressed the need for Africans to invest in the coffee industry so as to create jobs and expand the continent’s global market share.
The 3rd G25 African Coffee Summit held in Dar es Salaam under the theme “Unlocking employment opportunities for the youth through regeneration of the African coffee industry.”
Africa is home to Arabica and Robusta coffee with diverse and unique flavor, and has over 53 percent of its rural population involved in coffee farming.
However, structural constraints and climate challenges hinder the sector’s growth. The summit aims to rejuvenate Africa’s coffee industry by involving youth, enhancing value addition, and addressing systemic barriers.
The two-day summit, hosted by Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, focused on increasing Africa’s coffee production and global market share, while creating more opportunities for youths and women in the sector.
In his address to the summit, Ethiopia’s deputy Prime Minister said “The road ahead is clear. Africa must invest in the coffee industry. We must add value, create jobs and expand our global market share.”
Most importantly, Temesgen stated that we must work together, governments, private sector players and international partners to transform African coffee from a commodity into a powerful economic engine.
“I want to assure Ethiopia stands ready to turn the outcomes of this summit into concrete actions, because at the end of the day, coffee is not just a drink, it is our history, our culture, and if we do this right our future, as we move forward.”
He also emphasized the importance of translating the discussions into action, building a more sustainable, competitive and prosperous Africa coffee industry.
“The potential is immense, and together, we can ensure that Africa reaps the full benefit of its coffee sector. Ethiopia remains dedicated to this shared vision, and I look forward to a continued collaboration with all of you,” Temesgen elaborated.
The summit brought together Heads of State, Ministers, coffee authorities and Institutions, and private sector stakeholders from G25 African coffee-producing countries to discuss and implement strategies for transforming the coffee sector.
Key objectives include unlocking employment opportunities for youth and women, promoting public-private funding, providing financial support to farmers, establishing regional Centres of Excellence, and harmonizing African coffee standards to boost intra-Africa coffee trade.
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