Browsing: International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Alliances for Action

Uganda coffee
  • African coffee entrepreneurs are turning the Gulf region into the next big destination for the continent’s bean exports.
  • With its deep-rooted coffee culture and growing appetite for specialty and ethically sourced brews, the Gulf is turning into a premium destination for African exports.
  • Amid fluctuating Arabica prices, Gulf buyers are beginning to turn their attention to high-quality Robusta—and African producers are ready to deliver.

In January 2025, the World of Coffee Dubai trade show once again underscored the United Arab Emirates’ emergence as a serious player in global coffee trade—and Africa was at the center of this evolution. The event offered more than just exhibition space; it served as a launchpad for African coffee entrepreneurs to introduce their brands to a high-potential, high-growth region: the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

For entrepreneurs like John Francois of Asili Coffee in Ghana and Willy Kanyinda Kadima of Cocoi Café in the …