Africa’s Coffee Culture Comes Home

South Africa, Uganda and Kenya topped the podium at this year’s Africa Barista Championship. But the real winner was African coffee culture itself — rich, vibrant, and finally getting the recognition it deserves on home soil. 

From 24 to 28 February 2025, the scent of freshly brewed, homegrown coffee filled the air in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as 23 baristas from 14 countries competed for continental glory. The competition was held alongside the 21st African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition (AFCA), and it did more than crown a champion — it marked a milestone in the celebration of African coffee excellence. 

“This isn’t just about coffee-making,” said Régine Léonie Guion-Firmin, an Authorized Specialty Coffee Association Trainer (AST) based in Nairobi, Kenya. “It’s about youth creating new career paths, fostering café culture, and driving demand for high-quality, locally produced coffee. You could feel the energy and pride.” 

Beyond the barista battles and espresso shots, a deeper transformation is brewing across the continent. With a growing consumer base and rising café culture in cities from Accra to Addis Ababa, local roasters, baristas and entrepreneurs are redefining the value of African coffee — not just as an export commodity, but as a cherished product for domestic markets. 

In Cameroon, entrepreneur Thierry Djanga of TerrifiCoffee captured this spirit perfectly. Although his coffee placed second in a tasting competition at the event, his mission is centered around building local appreciation. 

“I’m happy to pay a premium for quality robusta from African producers,” he said. “Not just to export it, but to serve it locally. Consumers here are ready to pay for excellence. It’s a virtuous circle that benefits everyone.” 

The event also emphasized capacity-building and skills development. A Barista Bootcamp, co-led by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Robusta Coffee Agency of Africa and Madagascar (ACRAM), trained over 20 baristas in sensory analysis and brewing techniques, aligning their skills with World Barista Championship standards. This effort, part of the ACP Business-Friendly programme, aims to professionalize the coffee sector and cultivate local demand for specialty-grade robusta. 

Attendees were also surprised and impressed by Mozambique’s emerging coffee industry — a newcomer to the spotlight — while Egypt’s dynamic café scene added fresh energy to discussions on regional trade and branding. 

As producers, policymakers, baristas, and traders shared ideas throughout the week, one message rang loud and clear: Africa’s coffee story is no longer just about beans shipped overseas. It’s about reclaiming ownership, fostering talent, and creating value at home — one cup at a time.

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