Uganda To Host G-25 Africa Coffee Summit At Speke Resort Munyonyo
Uganda is warming up to host the prestigious 2nd G-25 Africa Coffee Summit (ACS) which is set to be a platform for showcasing the continent’s vast coffee potential in the world.
The conference organized by the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in collaboration with the Inter-Africa Coffee Organization (IACO) will be at Speke Resort Munyonyo, from 7th to 10th of August, 2023 under the theme “Transforming the African Coffee Sector through Value Addition”.
The summit of the 25 African coffee-producing countries will bring together Heads of State, Senior Government Ministers, Heads of College Authorities, Senior Ministers from African Coffee-Consuming Countries, and African private sector groups including farmers, processors, exporters, roasters and Coffee Associations.
The summit aims to foster discussions on strategies to enhance coffee production through value addition. The event presents a significant opportunity for Uganda to further its position in the global coffee market and explore avenues for boosting coffee exports.
According to Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister for Agriculture, the summit provides a platform for the country to not only engage with fellow coffee-producing nations but also seek avenues to expand its coffee market reach.
“Hosting the G-25 Africa Coffee Summit is a great honour for Uganda. We see this as a valuable opportunity to showcase our coffee industry and explore ways to enhance its growth through value addition,” Minister Tumwebaze said during a press briefing at Uganda media centre in Kampala.
Uganda has positioned itself as a leading coffee exporter on the African continent, although it trails behind Ethiopia in terms of overall production.
To fully harness its potential, the country recognizes the imperative of embracing value addition. Major General Kyomukama Kasula, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the significance of this approach.
“While Uganda is a top coffee exporter in Africa, value addition is pivotal to further elevating our coffee industry. By adding value to our coffee products, we can substantially increase our global market presence,” explained Major General Kasula.
Minister Tumwebaze highlighted the key focus areas, including strategies for boosting production, advancing value addition, and promoting collaboration among African Coffee Producing Countries to tap into the burgeoning global market.
With the recent news of Brazil, the world’s leading coffee producer, reducing its coffee production by 2.3 million bags, the Ugandan government is encouraging its citizens to ramp up coffee production.
Minister Tumwebaze assured Ugandans of a robust global market for their coffee, given the changing dynamics in the global coffee supply chain.
Addressing concerns related to coffee farming’s environmental impact, Minister Tumwebaze refuted claims that Uganda is prioritizing forest reserve cutting for coffee cultivation. The government remains committed to sustainable practices that balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
The coffee industry holds immense economic potential, contributing significantly to global income generation. The G-25 Africa Coffee Summit is expected to culminate in the Kampala Declaration, which will guide decisions and actions within the coffee sector across partner states.
As Uganda prepares to host this pivotal event, the nation anticipates productive dialogues and collaborative efforts that will further elevate its stature in the global coffee arena, enhancing coffee production, value addition, and market accessibility.
