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Coming Up! EAC Coffee Business Forum in Kenya

17 January 2020
ITC News

For the first time, the East Africa Community (EAC) Coffee Business Forum is bringing together public and private stakeholders to identify concrete solutions to boost trade and investment opportunities for coffee exporters in East African countries.

The EAC Coffee Business Forum will coincide with the African Fine Coffee Conference and Exhibition in Mombasa, Kenya, from 11-14 February 2019. It is part of MARKUP implemented by the International Trade Centre, in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat and GIZ.

Increasing coffee exports from Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania could have a considerable positive impact on EAC’s economic development. This can only be achieved if existing trade barriers are removed and access to finance for small and medium coffee businesses is improved.

In addition, factors such as quality compliance, value addition, packaging and branding are critical in determining market access and incomes that accrue to the exporting countries and enterprises. These issues will be in the spotlight at the Forum.

High-level officials and representatives of the EAC Secretariat, Government of EAC partner countries, African Fine Coffee Association as well as investors, corporations and institutions will attend the Forum. Themes at various sessions will include removal of coffee trade barriers, with a spotlight on the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement, innovative mechanisms to facilitate access to credit and buyer and investor priorities.

Walk-in business clinics will provide mentorship to coffee exporters to help them take advantage of trade and investment opportunities to achieve commercial success.

A special coffee cupping session and a mini-auction will offer participants the opportunity to taste and buy coffee from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.