Attending AFCA 2024

Last week, our Lending Officer for East Africa, Kennedy, was in Ethiopia to attend AFCA (African Fine Coffees Association) 📍

Africa’s largest coffee trade platform

At the event, which is Africa’s largest coffee trade platform, Kennedy was able to join over 2,000 regional and international coffee professionals, including producers, traders, and roasters. Public and private sector officials, as well as governments and NGOs also take part in the annual event.

This year, AFCA has announced its partnership with the Inter-African Coffee Organization (IACO), the Robusta Coffee Agency of Africa and Madagascar (ACRAM), and the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) for the grand occasion of hosting the event’s 20th edition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from February 6th to 10th, 2024. The theme “Specialty Coffee at Origin” sheds light on the high quality coffees being grown and consumed in producing countries. It also invites coffee professionals to explore Ethiopia, the land of origins.

Meeting with Bukonzo

One such coffee producer is Bukonzo Organic Cooperative Union (BOCU). We have supported Bukonzo with credit facilities since 2015. In reflection of their relationship with Shared Interest, the General Manager of Bukonzo, Josinta Kabugho (who can be seen at AFCA, pictured above alongside Kennedy and the co-operative's accountant, Maureen Namusisi), told us:

“The loan from Shared Interest has allowed us to double our coffee sales and pay the farmers on time. With the increased income from coffee sales, the farmers have been able to educate their children.”

Meeting with Banyankole Coffee Services

Kennedy also met with Lauben Kurubaija, the Manager of Banyankole Coffee Services (BCS), a coffee producer based in Uganda that we have supported with fair finance since 2020. Founded by three coffee farmers in 2014, today, BCS works with more than 1,500 farmers, supporting them to export the highest quality Robusta coffee to local and international markets.

Learn more about Bukonzo:

https://www.shared-interest.com/gb/impact/bukonzo-farmers

Learn more about Banyankole Coffee Services: 

https://www.shared-interest.com/gb/impact/banyankole-coffee-services

Learn more about AFCA:

https://afca.coffee/conference/