KIGALI, Rwanda – The 2nd Africa Coffee & Tea Expo (ACT Expo) 2026 concluded in Kigali after bringing together government leaders, industry experts, producers, exporters, buyers, investors, and development partners from across Africa and beyond to explore the future of the continent’s coffee and tea industries.
Held from 8 to 10 July 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre, the three day event served as a platform for strengthening trade, promoting value addition, encouraging investment, and advancing sustainable growth across Africa’s coffee and tea value chains. Through high level discussions, business networking, exhibitions, competitions, and field visits, delegates shared ideas on how the continent can unlock greater value from two of its most important agricultural exports.
The official opening ceremony on 9 July brought together senior government officials, diplomats, private sector leaders, and international organizations to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the industry.
Opening the event, Hon. Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, called on African countries to move beyond exporting raw commodities and focus on processing, branding, and value addition.
“Our coffee and tea are more than commodities, they are our heritage, our livelihoods and our promise.”
He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to building a coffee and tea industry that creates greater value on the continent, strengthens regional supply chains, and positions African products as globally competitive brands capable of driving inclusive economic growth.
The opening ceremony also featured remarks from Roger Nkubito, Cluster Managing Director of AGL Rwanda and Burundi, who highlighted the importance of logistics and regional integration in expanding Africa’s coffee and tea trade. He noted that efficient transport networks and stronger cross border partnerships are essential to connecting producers with international markets and unlocking the sector’s full potential.
Other speakers, including representatives from the European Union, the Rwanda Development Board, and regional trade organizations, emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and investment in strengthening Africa’s position within global coffee and tea markets.
Welcoming delegates to the event, Racheal Mwaniki reflected on the vision behind ACT Expo, describing it as a marketplace created specifically for Africa’s coffee and tea industries. She encouraged participants to make meaningful connections, exchange knowledge, and build partnerships that would continue long after the exhibition concluded.
Beyond the conference sessions, the expo provided a vibrant business platform where exhibitors showcased premium coffees, specialty teas, processing technologies, packaging solutions, and innovations supporting the industry’s growth. International buyers met directly with producers during business to business sessions, creating opportunities to expand exports and establish new commercial partnerships. Visitors also enjoyed coffee cupping experiences, barista competitions, product demonstrations, and networking events that celebrated Africa’s rich coffee and tea heritage.
One of the key discussions during the final day focused on Sustainability, Climate Resilience and Future Proofing African Coffee and Tea, bringing together experts to examine how the industry can respond to climate change while protecting livelihoods and improving long term productivity.
Among the panelists was Mr. Nzeki Samuel Munyao, CEO of Sorwathe Ltd and Silverback Tea Company, who emphasized that the future of African tea depends on investing in farmers as much as the product itself. He highlighted the importance of climate resilient agriculture, continuous farmer training, sustainable farming practices, and practical adaptation measures that help communities respond to changing environmental conditions while maintaining productivity and quality.
The discussion also explored regenerative agriculture, fair trade, women’s empowerment throughout the value chain, and the need to create markets that reward sustainable production. Panelists agreed that collaboration between governments, producers, buyers, investors, and development partners will be essential in building a resilient coffee and tea industry capable of meeting future global demand.
Another important session focused on empowering youth and women across the coffee and tea value chains, aligning with the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. Speakers highlighted the need to create greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs, young professionals, and smallholder farmers who play a critical role in driving the industry’s long term success.
As part of the expo, delegates also visited Sorwathe Ltd, one of Rwanda’s leading tea producers, where they toured tea fields and processing facilities to experience first hand the country’s commitment to sustainable tea production and quality manufacturing. The visit provided valuable insight into Rwanda’s approach to climate smart agriculture, responsible production, and value addition, reinforcing many of the themes discussed throughout the conference.
The event concluded with the ACT Expo Closing Ceremony and the recognition of outstanding coffees and teas, celebrating excellence, innovation, and quality within the industry. Participants left Kigali with new partnerships, stronger business networks, and a shared commitment to advancing Africa’s coffee and tea sectors through innovation, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
As global demand for premium coffee and tea continues to grow, ACT Expo 2026 demonstrated that Africa is increasingly positioning itself not only as a producer of world class products but also as a leader in value addition, sustainable agriculture, and international trade. For Rwanda, hosting the event once again reinforced its reputation as a regional hub for coffee and tea excellence, bringing together the conversations, partnerships, and investments that will help shape the future of the industry across the continent.
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Pictures by IRADUKUNDA FABRICE ( alvinvisualsrw )
