About the Africa Barista Championship

The Africa Barista Championship is a regional competition held annually during the African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition. Prior to the championship, national barista competitions take place in AFCA member countries, organized independently by AFCA or in partnership with local coffee organizations.

The Championship provides an opportunity for African baristas to compete at a continental level, showcasing their skills, creativity, and knowledge of coffee.

At each national competition, the top three highest-scoring baristas are nominated to compete for the regional title. In countries where national competitions are not held, baristas may be nominated directly to AFCA. Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee, with successful applicants notified prior to the competition.

Note: The Africa Barista Championship is open to African nationals only. Competitors are expected to use coffee produced in Africa.

Africa Barista Bootcamp Held in the lead-up to the Championship, the Africa Barista Bootcamp is a regional training and exchange platform that brings together baristas and trainers from across the continent.

The Bootcamp provides a space for:

• Skill-building and technical training
• Peer-to-peer learning and exchange
• Practice and preparation ahead of competition

Beyond competition readiness, it plays a key role in strengthening connections, building community, and fostering collaboration across Africa’s growing barista network.

Why It Matters

Baristas are the bridge between coffee and the consumer. They shape taste experiences, influence purchasing decisions, and play a vital role in increasing coffee consumption and awareness across the continent.

Together, the Africa Barista Bootcamp and Championship support the development of a skilled, connected, and visible barista community. As Africa’s café culture continues to grow, baristas are not only competitors, but also educators, storytellers, and ambassadors of African coffee.

These platforms help elevate skills, strengthen networks, and position African baristas—and African coffee—more prominently on the global stage.

2025-2026 in Review

AFCA hosted the Africa Barista Championship in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the 22nd African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition. A total of 21 baristas from 13 African countries competed, demonstrating technical excellence, sensory precision, and creativity on the continental stage. Competitors were scored according to the World Barista Championship (WBC) Protocol by a panel of regional and international judges, including Head Judges Panagiotis Nikas (Greece) and Esther Atieno Ochieng (Kenya).

Prior to the competition, AFCA and partners hosted the second annual Africa Barista Bootcamp, bringing together baristas and trainers for interactive learning, exchange, and practice sessions.

This year’s Top 3 winners are listed below.