Bashe urges coffee producers to go beyond raw bean export

DAR ES SALAAM: THE MINISTER for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe has called for a fundamental shift in Africa’s coffee industry, urging producers to move beyond raw bean exports and embrace value addition to boost economic opportunities.

In his address at the opening of the 3rd G25 African Coffee Summit in Dar es Salaam, Minister Bashe emphasized the need for African nations to integrate coffee into their cultures and daily consumption habits, citing Ethiopia as a prime example.

“Tanzania produces some of the world’s finest coffee beans, but as African producers, we continue to trade raw materials rather than final products. The volatility of global coffee prices has reduced farmers’ interest in the sector. We must embed coffee in our daily culture and create more opportunities within the value chain,” he said.

Minister Bashe also urged African coffee-producing countries to collaborate in transforming the sector, setting ambitious targets to diversify coffee-based products and unlock employment opportunities for young people.

“The transformation of this sector cannot be successful in isolation. We must work together,” he stressed.

Welcoming delegates to Tanzania, Minister Bashe highlighted the importance of intercontinental trade, emphasizing that Africa must harness its resources rather than depend on donor-driven initiatives.

“Coffee is a symbol of excellence in African heritage. We should not be a donor-dependent continent; we must take control of our own economic destiny,” he stated.

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The speech was followed by an energetic performance from the Tanzanian theatrical community “This is Africa.”

 The young artists delivered a powerful musical message, celebrating Tanzania’s coffee industry with lyrics that encouraged innovation and inclusion across the coffee supply chain.

“Let’s use these golden beans to create inclusive and innovative opportunities. From plantation to a cup, every sip of Tanzanian coffee tells a story, a story of resilience, growth, and opportunity. Whether you’re a farmer, processor, exporter, or consumer, you are part of this journey. Let’s all raise a cup of coffee. Tanzania Coffee Nature’s gift to the world,” they sang.

The G25 African Coffee Summit was opened today with a ministerial session, where African agriculture ministers and coffee industry leaders deliberate on strategies for strengthening the sector.

The event will culminate tomorrow with a Heads of State summit, featuring statements from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Angolan President and AU Chairperson, Joao Manuel Lourenco and other African leaders.

The Summit continues to serve as a platform for discussions on strengthening Africa’s coffee industry, with stakeholders exploring ways to enhance competitiveness, increase domestic consumption, and expand market access for African coffee products.

The summit’s theme is: “Unlocking employment opportunities for the youth through regeneration of the African coffee industry.”