20th AFCC&E Official Conference Program

This program is subject to change. Please note all times are displayed in East Africa Time (EAT).

Last updated: January 7, 2024

February 3-5, 2024: Coffee Safari Trips

Day 1: Tuesday, February 6, 2024

8:00 AM - Registration Open

Venue: Registration Area

9:00 AM-3:00 PM - Horra Trading Day Trip

Millennium Hall (meeting point)

6:00 PM onwards - Opening Cocktail

Venue: Sheraton Addis

Day 2: Wednesday, February 7, 2024

8:00 AM - Registration Open

Venue: Registration Area

9:00 AM-11:00 AM - Opening Ceremony

Venue: AXUM Hall

11:00 AM - Moyee Coffee Break
11:00 AM - Exhibition Hall Opens

Venue: Millennium Hall

1:00-2:30 PM - Lunch
2:30-3:30 PM - High-Level Policy Forum: Transforming the African Coffee Sector Through Value Addition

Venue: AXUM Hall

3:30 PM - Moyee Coffee Break
3:45-5:00 PM - High-Level Policy Forum (cont.)

Venue: AXUM Hall

5:00 PM - Exhibition Hall Closes

Venue: Millennium Hall

7:00 PM onwards - Policy Dinner (invite only)

Venue: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa

Day 3: Thursday, February 8, 2024

8:00 AM PM - Registration Open

Venue: Registration Area

8:00 AM-5:00 PM - Sustainability Day by Rainforest Alliance

Venue: AXUM Hall

Download the program (PDF, new window)

8:00 AM-5:00 PM - African Farmer Day

Venue: Lalibella

9:00 AM-5:00 PM - Exhibition Hall Open

Venue: Millennium Hall

10:15 AM - Moyee Coffee Break
8:00 AM-5:00 PM - Sustainability Day (cont.)

Venue: AXUM Hall

Download the program (PDF, new window)

8:00 AM-5:00 PM - African Farmer Day (cont.)

Venue: Lalibella

1:00-2:30 PM - Lunch
8:00 AM-5:00 PM - Sustainability Day (cont.)

Venue: AXUM Hall

Download the program (PDF, new window)

8:00 AM-5:00 PM - African Farmer Day (cont.)

Venue: Lalibella

3:30 PM - Moyee Coffee Break
5:00 PM - Exhibition Hall Closes

Venue: Millennium Hall

Day 4: Friday, February 9, 2024

7:00 AM-9:00 AM - IWCA Breakfast

Venue: Meeting Room 2

This is a paid event and requires registration

8:00 AM - Registration Open

Venue: Registration Area

9:00 AM - Exhibition Hall Open

Venue: Millennium Hall

9:00-9:15 AM - Opening Remarks by AFCA Executive Director Gilbert Gatali

Venue; AXUM Hall

9:15-10:15 AM - Presentation: Market Outlook 2024 by Judith Ganes, J Ganes Consulting

For the past 19 years, Judy has attended the AFCA Conference to set the scene on the year ahead for the coffee market. This year will be no different. During her presentation, Judy will discuss the post-COVID-19 coffee market, including prices, market trends, and the outlook for the year ahead. 

Venue; AXUM Hall

Presenter: Judith Ganes, JGanes Consulting 

10:15 AM - Tarara Coffee Break
10:30 AM-11:45 AM - Panel: Strategies for Better Market Access

Are you keen to discover the strategies that facilitate improved market access? Join our expert speakers as they guide you through the intricate world of market dynamics, share industry insights and experiences, empowering you to enhance your competitive edge.

Venue: AXUM Hall

Panelists: Kenneth Barigye, Mountain Harvest; Yanina Ferreyra, Project Origin; (more to be announced)

 Moderator: Sara Morrocchi, Vuna Origin Consulting

 

10:30 AM-11:45 AM - Mastering Quality: The Role of Processing, Fermentation, and Equipment in Elevating Coffee Excellence

What goes into creating exceptional coffees?  Discover the intricate interplay between processing techniques, fermentation methods, and roasting techniques that shape the flavor profile of exceptional coffees. Join industry experts as they unravel the secrets behind achieving unparalleled quality. 

Venue: Lalibella

Presentation 1: The Effects of Fermentation on Coffee Quality by Massimo Battaglia, Accademia del Caffè Espresso

Presentation 2: Decoding Coffee: A Brief Journey into Coffee Differentiation for a Superior Cup by Álvaro Gaitán B. PhD, Cenicafe

Presentation 3: Bringing Coffee flavor Sensations to Life – The Role of Roasting by Francis Mbaki, Bühler Group

Moderator: Abdallah Bagersh, S.A. Bagersh PLC

11:45-1:00 PM - Panel: Reversing Vertical Integration from Origin to Consuming Countries

What is a reverse vertical integration? Join to understand the intricate dynamics of the coffee supply chain as our speakers delve into the topic of “Reversing Vertical Integration”. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities entwined with disrupting vertical structures, spanning from coffee bean cultivation in origin countries to consumption hubs across the globe.

Venue: AXUM Hall

Panelists: Angelique Karekezi, Rwashoscco; Steven Vick, African Coffee Roasters; Ahadu Wubeshet, Moyee Coffee

Moderator: Ameet Morjaria, Kellogg School of Management

11:45-1:00 PM - Improving Farmer Income: Experiences from Across the Globe

To improve farmers’ incomes it is necessary to understand what farmers need to afford a descent standard of living, and collaborate at the national, regional and international level to achieve that.  This session brings together the global and regional entities ICO, IACO and GCP, as well as NAEB from Rwanda and experts on the Living Income process NewForesight to share their experiences on identifying and closing income gaps. 

Venue: Lalibella

Panelists: Dr. Vanusia Nogueria, International Coffee Organisation (ICO); Joost Backer, NewForesight; Lauren Weiss and George Watene, Global Coffee Platform (GCP); and Dr. Celestin Gatarayiha, Inter-African Coffee Organisation (IACO)

Moderator: Chris Wunderlich, Agrofuturo Global/ICO

1:00-2:30 PM - Lunch
2:30-3:15 PM - Presentation: Fostering Sustainable Agriculture: Empowering Farmers with Acorn's Agroforestry Transition, EUDR Compliance and Carbon Measurement – for Coffee Farmers at Scale by Isabel van Bemmelen, Acorn

How Acorn can support smallholder farmers in their transition to an agroforestry system while benefiting from the Carbon Market and checking for EUDR compliance.  Acorn secures EUDR compliance, while generating benefits for the farmers selling their Carbon Removal Units inside or outside of the coffee value chain. Check in to understand how we can support traders and roasters to add benefits for farmers in their value chain while compensating their carbon emissions.

Venue: AXUM Hall

2:30-3:00 PM - Presentation: An Update from World Coffee Producers Forum by Juan Esteban Orduz, Archterra Advisors

Venue: Lalibella

3:00-3:30 PM - Presentation: Dubai – A Global Hub for Coffee by Saeed Al Suwaidi, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

Uncover the pivotal role Dubai plays as a dynamic hub in the international coffee trade, connecting diverse cultures and contributing to the global coffee community. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Dubai’s rise to prominence in the world of fine coffee, offering a glimpse into its thriving coffee culture and exciting opportunities for industry stakeholders.

Venue: Lalibella

3:15-3:30 PM - A Recap of Sustainability Day by Rainforest Alliance

Venue: AXUM Hall

3:30 PM - Tarara Coffee Break
3:45-5:00 PM - Panel: Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD): Practical Steps Towards Compliance

 In the rapidly evolving landscape of global value chains and international trade, the concept of due diligence has emerged as a pivotal instrument for ensuring corporate accountability, safeguarding human rights, and protecting the environment. The European Union Green Deal, which sets ambitious sustainability goals, is leading the way. The Green Deal policy initiatives on Global Supply Chain Sustainability include, amongst others, the European Union Deforestation-free Products Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, both of which have complex compliance requirements and require careful consideration of their impact on global value chains. Producing countries seeking to remain integrated in global value chains are expected to comply with and implement an array of sustainability requirements to access target markets and attract investments. However, these demands can be challenging and defeat their original purpose by creating barriers to the very businesses they seek to protect. Without inclusive measures, businesses from these countries will be constrained in their ability to engage in international trade, which in turn will hinder progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal One (No Poverty) of the Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Venue: AXUM Hall

Panelists: Dr. Adugna Debela, Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA); Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye Niyibigira, Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA); Dr. Vanusia Nogueria, (ICO); Nadia Hoarau-Mwaura, JDE Peet’s; and Lana Zutelija, Adviser to Head of Cooperation at EU Delegation to the African Union

Moderator: Larry Attipoe, International Trade Centre (ITC)

3:45-5:00 PM - Presentation: Rapid Appraisal of the Financing Landscape for the African Coffee Sector by Abah Ofon, Afreximbank and Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) Africa representatives

Venue; Lalibella

5:00 PM - Exhibition Hall Closes

Venue; Millennium Hall

5:30-9:30 PM - Coffee Champions League brought to you by Vuna Coffee School, Acorn Rabobank and ITC Alliances for Action

Venue: Meeting Room 2

Day 5: Saturday, February 10, 2024

8:00 AM - Registration Open

Venue: Registration Area

9:00 AM-5:00 PM - Exhibition Hall Open

Venue: Millennium Hall

9:00-10:15 AM - Panel: Promoting the Expansion of African Coffee: Highlighting the Innovative Contributions of African Women in Advancing the Development of the African Coffee Value Chain

Let’s celebrate the remarkable contributions of African women. Join us as we spotlight the transformative influence of women in propelling the coffee industry forward. Explore the diverse strategies, experiences, and success stories that underscore their pivotal role in shaping the dynamic landscape of African coffee, fostering sustainable growth and inclusivity.

Venue: AXUM Hall

Panelists: Aurelia Kamuzora, Tanzania Coffee Board; Sara Yirga, Ethiopia Women in Coffee; Olurenti Doherty, Afreximbank; and Mahalet Solomon, Coffee Farmer, Engineer, and Exporter

Moderator: Princess Adeyinka Tekenah, Happy Coffee International

9:00-10:15 AM - Panel: Rejuvenating Coffee Trees: A Boost for Farmers, the Environment, and Ethiopia's Exports

In collaboration with the World Bank’s BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL), the NGO TechnoServe is studying the economic and environmental benefits of rejuvenating (or stumping) coffee trees in Oromia, Ethiopia. The project focuses on scalable practices, with smart incentives and regenerative agricultural training to increase farmer income and reduce pressure on natural forests. Early results show a great impact, with 35 times more stumped trees, and farmers earning three times more from coffee.

We aim for a session that is both educational and inspiring. We invite you to explore effective strategies for increasing rejuvenation efforts across the Ethiopian coffee industry.

Venue: Lalibella

Panelists: Abdo Aba Macca and Kanzi Haji, Coffee Farmers from Gumay; Ephrem Kebede, Kata Muduga Union; Gizat Worku, Ethiopian Coffee Association; Awol Kelil Aba Gero, Jimma Zone Agriculture Office; and Catherine Musangi, TechnoServe

Moderator: Abdallah Bagersh, S.A. Bagersh PLC

10:00-12:00 AM - 63rd IACO Annual General Assembly

Venue: Meeting Room 2

10:00-12:00 AM - Unlocking opportunities: Dive into Acorn’s world with a hands-on workshop on program entry, onboarding essentials, and your path to success!

Venue: Meeting Room 3

Instructor: Isabel van Bemmelen, Acorn

10:15 AM - Ethio Gabana Coffee Break
10:30-11:30 AM - Presentation: Cupping and Quality Evaluation: Introducing the Specialty Coffee Association’s Coffee Value Assessment by Kim Elena Ionescu, Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)

Explore the intricacies of assessing coffee quality through the lens of the Specialty Coffee Association’s innovative Coffee Value Assessment, gaining a profound understanding of the key factors that define exceptional coffee.

Venue: AXUM Hall

10:30-11:30 AM - Panel: A Holistic Approach to a Circular Economy in Coffee

Join thought leaders as they dissect innovative strategies and sustainable practices, converging to shape a future where every aspect of the coffee lifecycle is considered. Engage in discussions that redefine the narrative, highlighting how a circular economy can revolutionize the coffee industry, promoting environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

Venue: Lalibella

Panelists: Dario Toso, Lavazza Foundation, Dr. Joseph Kimemia, Kenya Coffee Platform; Solidaridad; more to be announced

Moderator: Malisa Mukanga, International Trade Centre (ITC)

11:45 AM-13:00 PM - Panel: Roots of Prosperity: Cultivating Growth and Enhancing Farmer Profitability Through a Robust Nursery sector in Uganda

Gain first-hand knowledge on how strategic investments in this critical stage contribute to a flourishing coffee landscape, benefiting Ugandan farmers and the industry as a whole. 

Venue: AXUM Hall

Panelists: Dr. Gerald Kyalo, Uganda Coffee Development Agency (UCDA); Dr. Godfrey Sseremba, National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI); and Dr. Samuel Nfuga, Nursery Owner

Moderator: Maureen Namugalu, World Coffee Research (WCR)

11:45 AM-13:00 PM - Panel: Building a Coffee Career in Africa

Ready for a dose of inspiration? Engage with industry trailblazers as they delve into the distinctive opportunities and challenges present in the African coffee sector, providing valuable guidance for those aiming to build a purposeful career in this dynamic industry.

Venue: Lalibella

Panelists: Emi-Beth Quantson, Kawa Moka; Mbula Musau, Utake Coffee; and Hadi Beydoun, Café Continent

Moderator: Bruck Fikru, Volcafe Ethiopia

1:00-2:30 PM - AFCA Annual General Meeting (w/lunch)

Venue: Meeting Room 2

1:00-2:30 PM - Lunch
4:00 PM - Exhibition Hall Closes

Venue: Millennium Hall

19:00 PM onwards: Closing Dinner and Award Ceremony

Venue: Ethiopian Skylight Hotel

Other programs/schedules: