Competitions
Taste of Harvest
AFCA’s Regional Taste of Harvest Competition is an annual coffee quality competition that takes place at the African Fine Coffees Conference & Competition. This year is no different! Up to the top five coffees from National Taste of Harvest Competitions will be sent to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to compete for the top spots in the following categories: Washed, Natural, Honey, and Experimental.
The competition is scheduled to start from February 2nd, with the final rounds taking place at the conference venue. Finalists will be announced at the Closing Dinner and Award Ceremony on February 6th. Interested in judging? Join the Taste of Harvest Judges’ Network!
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Beamlak Bekele, AFCA Program Officer, at beamlak.bekele@afca.coffee.
Africa Barista Championship
Want to be the next Africa Barista Champion?
The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) and La Marzocco are partnering to host the 2026 Africa Barista Championship at the 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition (AFCC&E) from February 4–6 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We are calling all professional baristas to showcase their barista skills at this regional competition!
Entry Qualifications:
If you reside in an AFCA Member Country, and that country has hosted or is planning to host a National Barista Competition, you must first take part in that competition in order to qualify for the regional competition in Ethiopia. If you placed in the top three spots in your county’s national competition or have been endorsed by your member country, please complete the Registration Form.
If you reside in a non-AFCA Member Country, or your country is not planning to host a national competition, you are encouraged to submit a video online via the Registration Form. You are also required to provide a reference person from the coffee sector that will endorse your participation in Addis Ababa.
Please note that AFCA Country Chapters exist in the following countries: Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. For other rules and regulations, visit the conference website.
Rules & Regulations:
- The competition is open to barista professionals from all African countries.
- Competitors must use coffee produced in Africa.
- Video submissions will not be accepted from countries hosting National Barista Competitions.
- Participants should expect to cover their flights + partial accommodation, unless otherwise notified by AFCA.
- The deadline to apply is January 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm EAT.
Up to 25 baristas will be nominated to participate in the Africa Barista Championship in Ethiopia, with a maximum of three (3) participants per country. Chosen participants will be notified by January 15, 2026. Ready to compete? Complete the form below.
Interested in Judging?
We’re also recruiting judges for the 2026 Africa Barista Championship. Click here to learn more and express your interest.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Beamlak Bekele, AFCA Program Officer, at beamlak.bekele@afca.coffee.