Addis Ababa, August 8, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia will host the 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition (AFCC&E) from February 6 to 8, 2026, at the new Addis International Convention Centre, with the event co-hosted by the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) and the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, the two organizations announced at a press briefing today in Addis Ababa.
The event, Africa’s premier coffee trade platform, is expected to gather over 2,000 participants, including producers, exporters, roasters, buyers, policymakers, researchers, and development partners from across the continent and internationally.
AFCA Executive Director Gilbert Gatali highlighted the success of last year’s conference in Addis Ababa, which hosted over 1,200 delegates, 120 exhibition booths, and more than 350 coffees cupped.
“We are excited to return to Ethiopia, leveraging the momentum and Ethiopia’s role as a key player in Africa’s coffee sector. Ethiopia provides some of the best coffees the world has to offer, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of delegates from across the globe,” Gatali said.
He added that the new Addis International Convention Centre offers a world-class venue to showcase Africa’s unique coffee heritage and foster business opportunities. “Our goal is to strengthen connections between producers, buyers, and innovators to elevate the entire continent’s coffee value chain.”
The 2026 conference theme, “Brewing the Next African Generation,” reflects the sector’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and positioning Africa as a global coffee force.
AFCA Board Chairman Amir Hamza described the upcoming event as a “true homecoming” to coffee’s birthplace, where heritage meets innovation and tradition meets opportunity. “Africa will no longer just supply fine coffees to the world — we will define the future of coffee,” Hamza said.
He stressed the event’s focus on market access, climate resilience, value addition, and intra-African trade as key pillars to position Africa as a global coffee powerhouse. “Together, we will write the next chapter in Africa’s coffee story, building a sustainable and inclusive sector for generations to come.”
Gizat Worku. General Manager at Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association & AFCA Ethiopian Chapter Chairman, noted the continent’s untapped potential, citing challenges such as limited value addition and branding, but also opportunities in improving traceability, sustainability, and quality to increase producer incomes and global competitiveness. “Despite being the birthplace of coffee, Africa has not fully benefited from its global success,” he said.
“Coffee must become a strategic crop that alleviates poverty and fosters economic integration across the continent. Through innovation and collaboration, we will ensure African coffee claims its rightful place on the global stage with dignity and fair reward for all who bring it to life.”
Representing the Ethiopian Coffee Association, Board President Desalegn Jenna underscored coffee’s role as more than a crop — a cultural symbol and economic driver. He called for renewed commitment to innovation, market access, and partnership to shape a sustainable future for Africa’s coffee sector.
The conference program will include technical workshops, expert panels, coffee cupping sessions, business-to-business matchmaking, and competitions like the African Barista Championship and Taste of Harvest.
Delegates will also participate in the African Coffee Safari, visiting Ethiopia’s coffee-growing regions to engage directly with farmers and experience coffee’s heritage firsthand.
AFCA, founded in 2000 and representing 11 African coffee-producing countries, serves as the continent’s largest coffee private-sector organization. Ethiopia is the largest AFCA chapter and a central player in advancing Africa’s coffee industry.
The 22nd AFCC&E aims to consolidate Africa’s position as a premium coffee producer and exporter while fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth within the sector.