Source: Official announcement
Date: May 16, 2026
- Ethiopia signed a host country agreement with the Inter-African Coffee Organization to host the 4th G-25 African Coffee Summit in 2027
- The agreement also establishes IACO first country office in Ethiopia
- The summit aligns with African Union Agenda 2063 recognizing coffee as a strategic commodity
- Africa currently contributes only 12 percent of global coffee production despite being the birthplace of coffee
- Ethiopia aims to become one of the world leading coffee exporters by 2033
- The African Union recently designated IACO as a specialized agency
Ethiopia has signed a host country agreement with the Inter-African Coffee Organization to establish the organization first country office in Ethiopia and to host the 4th G-25 African Coffee Summit in Addis Ababa in 2027.
The agreement was signed between State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera and IACO Secretary-General Ambassador Solomon Rutega.
According to officials, the agreement aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063, which recognizes coffee as a strategic commodity for the continent economic transformation.
Africa coffee production challenges
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Hadera noted that although Africa is the birthplace of coffee, the continent currently contributes only 12 percent of global coffee production. This low share persists due to several challenges including low productivity, value chain imbalances, and climate-related pressures.
He stated that the partnership will support Ethiopia ambition to become one of the world leading coffee exporters by 2033. He added that the agreement creates a stronger framework for continental cooperation and sectoral transformation.
Historic milestone for IACO
IACO Secretary-General Ambassador Solomon Rutega described the agreement as a historic milestone. He said it reconnects the organization with the origin of coffee while advancing efforts to improve the livelihoods of millions of coffee-dependent households across Africa.
He also recalled the African Union recent decision to designate the 66-year-old IACO as a specialized agency. This recognition further strengthens the organization mandate to promote African coffee on the global stage.
Strategic importance
The agreement marks a significant step in Ethiopia efforts to strengthen its position in the global coffee market. As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia holds a unique cultural and historical connection to the beverage. The establishment of IACO first country office in Addis Ababa reinforces this connection.
The 4th G-25 African Coffee Summit in 2027 is expected to draw participants from across the continent. It will focus on boosting productivity, improving value chains, and building climate resilience in the African coffee sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G-25 African Coffee Summit?
The G-25 African Coffee Summit is a high-level meeting of Africa major coffee-producing nations. It addresses challenges facing the continent coffee sector and promotes cooperation among member states.
When and where will the 4th summit take place?
The 4th G-25 African Coffee Summit will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2027. Specific dates have not yet been announced.
What is the Inter-African Coffee Organization?
IACO is a 66-year-old specialized agency of the African Union. It works to promote and develop the coffee sector across Africa.
Why is Ethiopia hosting the summit and IACO office?
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and aims to become a leading global coffee exporter by 2033. Hosting the summit aligns with these ambitions.
How much coffee does Africa produce globally?
Despite being the birthplace of coffee, Africa currently produces only 12 percent of the world coffee supply due to productivity, value chain, and climate challenges.
What is African Union Agenda 2063?
Agenda 2063 is the African Union strategic framework for the continent socio-economic transformation. It recognizes coffee as a strategic commodity.
Source: Official announcement
Date: May 16, 2026
