Ethiopia to Host 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition 2026
Addis Ababa, August 9, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) has officially announced that the 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition (AFCC&E) will be held from February 4 to 6, 2026, at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the birthplace of Arabica coffee. This premier event is set to unite over 2,000 coffee professionals, including producers, exporters, roasters, buyers, policymakers, and enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond, to celebrate and advance the continent’s coffee industry.
Organized by AFCA in partnership with the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority and the Inter-African Coffee Organization, the 2026 conference will build on the success of previous editions, fostering innovation, sustainability, and market access under the theme “Brewing the Next African Generation.” The event aims to position Africa not only as a supplier of fine coffee but as a global leader shaping the future of the industry.
A Landmark Event for African Coffee
Ethiopia, which last hosted the AFCC&E in 2024, will once again welcome delegates to the Addis International Convention Center, a world-class venue designed to showcase Africa’s rich coffee heritage. The 2024 event attracted over 1,200 delegates, featured 53 speakers, and showcased more than 350 coffees, launching the continent’s first African Coffee Week. The 2026 edition is expected to draw an even larger crowd, with a focus on market access, climate resilience, value addition, and intra-African trade.
“The African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition is more than a conference; it is where business deals are done, ideas are born, and the future is shaped,” said Amir Hamza, AFCA Chairperson. “We aim to position Africa as a global force in coffee, and Ethiopia, as the birthplace of coffee, is the perfect stage for this vision.”
Key Highlights of the 2026 Conference
The 2026 AFCC&E will offer a dynamic program, including:
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B2B Cupping Sessions: Opportunities to taste and evaluate some of Africa’s finest coffees, including winners of the Taste of Harvest Competition, which showcases top-quality Arabica and Robusta coffees from AFCA member countries.
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African Barista Championship: A platform for baristas to demonstrate their skills and elevate the continent’s coffee culture.
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Technical Workshops and Panels: Discussions on traceability, quality standards, sustainability, and innovations in coffee production.
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African Coffee Safari: Field trips to Ethiopia’s renowned coffee-growing regions, offering delegates a chance to engage directly with farmers and experience the country’s coffee heritage.
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Exhibition Hall: A vibrant space for exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge technologies, coffee products, and services, fostering trade relationships and networking with global coffee luminaries.
Gizat Worku, President of the Ethiopian Coffee Association and AFCA Ethiopia Chapter Chairman, emphasized the event’s significance: “Despite being the origin of coffee, Africa hasn’t fully benefited from its global success. This conference is a renewed commitment to closing the gap between origin and market, promoting African coffee globally while ensuring fair rewards for producers.”
Ethiopia’s Role as Host
As one of Africa’s largest coffee exporters, Ethiopia generated over $2.65 billion in revenue from shipping nearly 469,000 tons of coffee in the 2024/25 fiscal year. The country’s unique coffee heritage and its role as the birthplace of Arabica coffee make it a fitting host for this transformative event. The 2026 conference will highlight Ethiopia’s leadership in advancing the continent’s coffee sector while addressing challenges such as weak branding, limited marketing reach, and the need for greater innovation.
Gilbert Gatali, AFCA Executive Director, noted: “The success of our previous event in Ethiopia and the integral role of the Ethiopian coffee sector make returning to Addis Ababa a natural choice. We look forward to welcoming the global coffee community to this vibrant hub.”
Registration and Participation
Registration for the 22nd AFCC&E is now open, with early bird opportunities available for exhibitors, sponsors, and delegates. The event promises a lineup of esteemed international and regional speakers, engaging workshops, and vibrant social events designed to foster lifelong connections in the coffee industry.
For more information on registration, sponsorship, or the conference program, visit the official AFCA website at afca.coffee. Stay tuned for updates on speakers, venues, and additional events, including the African Coffee Safari and side events.
About AFCA
Founded in 2000, the African Fine Coffees Association is a non-profit, non-political, member-driven organization representing coffee sectors in 11 African countries. AFCA’s mission is to promote high-quality African coffees, enhance market access, and drive sustainable development across the continent’s coffee value chain.
