G7 Launches Initiative to Support Coffee Sustainability, Starting in Africa

The G7 announced the launch of a global innovative initiative aimed at ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the coffee supply chain, starting with five leading countries in Africa: Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi, with plans to expand the initiative to Central America and Asia in the future.

This announcement was made by Gerardo Pataconi, Head of Operations at the International Coffee Organization (ICO), during a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 Development Meeting in Pescara.

Pataconi noted that this initiative is the first of its kind where the G7 countries and their partners focus on a specific sector, namely coffee. He explained that the initiative has been thoroughly studied during previous G7 meetings, including the G7 Leaders Summit in Borgo Egnazia, reflecting the growing recognition of the importance of investing in this vital sector to ensure its sustainability.

Pataconi expressed concern about the increasing impact of climate change on coffee production, warning that the price of a cup of coffee could reach $100 if immediate action is not taken to protect coffee farms. He added: “About 5 to 6 million coffee producers live below the poverty line, and this initiative aims to coordinate efforts between the G7 countries to support the sector through the creation of a global public-private funding fund.”

Pataconi also emphasized that this initiative has received significant support from leading companies in Italy, noting that the Italian financing plan, which is part of the “Mattei Plan,” will initially focus on Africa, with ambitions to expand investments globally. He concluded by stating that the final phase of the initiative will involve cooperation with UN agencies and other international organizations to implement sustainable solutions in the targeted countries.