Africa's coffee market trends & women's potential in the trade

In 2024, Africa's coffee market has shown resilience despite global price and quality challenges, positioning itself as a key player in the international coffee trade. Eva Muthuuri, Founder of Eva's Coffee Limited, shared some insights on the trends and opportunities within the market, particularly regarding women's involvement in the industry. The year 2024 has seen a significant boost in the coffee market, with prices rapidly increasing to benefit farmers. For the first time in history, farmers received a substantial increase of 200 shillings per kilo, marking a significant improvement from the previous 10-20 shillings. The demand for coffee has been steadily rising, with an estimated 400,000 cups consumed daily. However, challenges like climate change have impacted the supply side, leading to a decrease in production. This imbalance between supply and demand has driven prices up, making the product more valuable. Despite these challenges, women have been making remarkable strides in the Kenyan coffee sector. Notably, the Nairobi Coffee Exchange recently appointed a woman CEO after 90 years of male leadership. This milestone reflects the significant progress women are making in leadership roles within the industry. Over the past decade, women have also headed the Coffee Board of Kenya and the Coffee Commodities Fund within the Treasury, showcasing their increasing presence and influence. Women are actively involved as dealers, coffee farmers, and cooperative leaders, driving growth and innovation in the sector. Eva shared a compelling example of a cooperative where engaging 665 women resulted in a fivefold increase in production, demonstrating the transformative power of female participation in the industry. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) has presented new opportunities for women in the coffee trade, particularly in achieving economic independence and growth. Through ACFTA, African entrepreneurs now have the freedom to trade within the continent without facing barriers like costly certifications required for exporting to Europe. This intra-continental trade has opened up avenues for women to expand their businesses and reach new markets. Additionally, agencies and financial institutions are actively supporting women in the coffee sector, providing access to financing and resources for business development. Eva highlighted her experience with the Impact by African Bank, emphasizing the positive impact of such initiatives on company growth and sustainability. By trading among African countries, women are unlocking the vast untapped potential within the continent's coffee industry, paving the way for economic empowerment and prosperity. The remarkable progress and opportunities for women in Africa's coffee market underscore the crucial role they play in driving growth, sustainability, and innovation within the industry.