AFCA Announces Winners of Regional Coffee and Barista Competitions in Tanzania
The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) has officially announced the winners of its annual Taste of Harvest coffee competition and the Africa Barista Championship, both held during the 21st African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
AFCA, a nonprofit organization representing stakeholders across 11 coffee-producing countries, organized the event as part of its ongoing efforts to promote quality, sustainability, and market access in the African coffee sector. Since its founding in 2000, the association has played a vital role in elevating the profile of African coffees on the global stage.
Regional Taste of Harvest Winners Announced
The 2024/2025 edition of the Taste of Harvest competition featured 96 green coffee samples — including Arabica and Robusta — from eight countries. A panel of six regional and international judges, led by Head Judge Mukayisenga Grace of Hills Coffee Lab (Rwanda), evaluated the entries based on quality, flavor, and cup score.
Washed Arabica
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Nardos Coffee Export – Ethiopia
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ES Coffee – Ethiopia
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New KPCU – Kenya
Natural Arabica
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Lulo Coffee – Ethiopia
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Demelash Bekele – Ethiopia
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Mountain Harvest SMC Ltd – Uganda
Honey-Processed Arabica
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Mountain Harvest SMC Ltd – Uganda
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Kebir Coffee Export – Ethiopia
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Yihonal Trading – Ethiopia
Robusta
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Ubumwe – Tanzania
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Tie: Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union – Uganda
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Tie: Terrific Coffee – Cameroon
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Terrific Coffee – Cameroon
AFCA announced it will host a “Meet the Winners” webinar on April 8, offering industry stakeholders an opportunity to connect directly with producers behind the award-winning coffees.
Baristas Compete for Top Honors in Africa Barista Championship
The 2025 Africa Barista Championship brought together 22 baristas from 12 countries, who competed in front of 14 regional and international judges. Competitors were evaluated on technical skill, creativity, and sensory performance. The event was led by Head Judge Régine Guion-Firmin, an SCA-certified trainer and owner of Mau Mau Kahawa Ltd in Kenya.
Top Three Barista Champions
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Stevo Kühn – South Africa
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Ibrahim Kiganda – Uganda
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Teresia Maina – Kenya
“These competitions not only showcase the incredible talent and craftsmanship within Africa’s coffee industry but also drive quality and innovation,” said Gilbert Gatali, Executive Director of AFCA. “They provide a platform for companies and individuals to access new markets, elevate their careers, and expand business opportunities.”
Bootcamp Supports Barista Development
Ahead of the barista championship, AFCA, in partnership with several organizations including the International Trade Centre’s Alliances for Action, La Marzocco, and Atom Coffee Hub, hosted a two-day bootcamp focused on preparing competitors for the World Barista Championship (WBC).
More than 20 baristas participated in the training, which covered technical skill development and sensory analysis. Trainers included Régine Guion-Firmin, Sara Yirga (YA Coffee Roasters), Smayah Uwajeneza (Elevate Through Coffee), and Erika Koss (A World in Your Cup Consulting), along with virtual contributions from U.S.-based companies Cxffeeblack and Black & White Coffee Roasters.
AFCA noted that the bootcamp is expected to become a recurring program to support professional development among African baristas.
