Uganda Selected To Host African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) Conference And Expo 2027 – CoffeeTalk

Uganda has been chosen to host the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) Conference and Expo in 2027, marking a significant achievement for the country’s coffee sector and reinforcing its emerging leadership within Africa’s coffee industry. The announcement was made at the conclusion of the AFCA 2026 Conference and Expo in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Uganda was represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

By hosting the 2027 expo, Uganda has a strategic opportunity to highlight its coffee capabilities, attract investments, and strengthen global connections. As Africa’s leading coffee exporter and the world’s second-largest producer of Robusta coffee, Uganda also cultivates high-quality Arabica beans across various agro-ecological regions. Dr. Gerald Kyalo, Commissioner for Coffee Production and Development at MAAIF, emphasized that hosting AFCA 2027 aligns with government goals focused on enhancing coffee quality, promoting value addition, strengthening sustainability and traceability systems, and increasing competitiveness in international markets.

Dr. Kyalo further asserted that the expo is a crucial step in transforming Uganda’s agriculture from a subsistence model to a modern, export-oriented sector, essential for advancing its status as Africa’s leading coffee exporter. The conference is anticipated to generate direct opportunities for Ugandan farmers, processors, exporters, and young entrepreneurs by facilitating interactions with global buyers and industry leaders. Uganda currently exports nearly 9 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee annually, bringing in over US $2.5 billion in foreign exchange. Coffee is the leading agricultural export for Uganda, providing support for over 12.5 million people and millions more along the coffee value chain.

Dr. Kyalo pointed out that hosting Africa’s largest coffee expo is a critical opportunity for Uganda, allowing the nation to demonstrate its production capacity, quality, diversity, and sustainability of coffee in the global arena. He noted that this platform is not only about exhibitions but also about drawing in buyers, investors, and technology partners to enhance market access for farmers and exporters, and promoting value addition to maximize earnings from coffee production.

The Ugandan government is committed to collaborating closely with AFCA, the private sector, and development partners for a well-organized and impactful conference, with preparations likely to include nationwide stakeholder consultations, choosing the host city, and launching a conference theme that embodies Africa’s collective coffee aspirations. The AFCA 2027 event is expected to spur tourism, hospitality, and business growth, essentially positioning Uganda as a regional hub for coffee excellence, innovation, and sustainable production. Uganda’s selection as the host for the 2027 conference reflects significant confidence in its coffee sector reforms and capability to host a major international industry gathering.

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