Africa Coffee & Tea Expo (ACT Expo) 2026 has successfully concluded, reaffirming Rwanda's position as a leading hub for Africa's coffee and tea industries. The three-day event brought together producers, exporters, buyers, processors, investors, policymakers, researchers, and development partners from across the globe to strengthen collaboration, promote trade, and unlock new opportunities for Africa's coffee and tea value chains.

Hosted in Kigali from 08^th to 10^th July, the Expo provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, business networking, product promotion and innovation, while highlighting the quality, sustainability, and competitiveness of African coffee and tea on the global market.

Opening Ceremony set the stage for stronger regional collaboration

The Expo officially opened by Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources from Rwanda, with a ceremony that underscored the growing importance of Africa's coffee and tea sectors in driving economic transformation, creating employment, and increasing export earnings. Leaders from government institutions, industry organizations, and international partners emphasized the need for stronger partnerships, value addition, market diversification, and increased investment to enhance the global competitiveness of African coffee and tea.

Opening plenary panel highlighted strategies for a competitive coffee and tea industry

The opening plenary panel brought together distinguished industry experts and sector leaders who explored emerging trends, market dynamics, sustainability requirements, climate resilience, and investment opportunities.

Discussions provided valuable insights into strengthening resilient value chains, improving product quality, enhancing traceability, embracing innovation, and responding to evolving consumer preferences. The exchange of experiences and best practices equipped participants with practical knowledge to navigate an increasingly competitive global marketplace while promoting long-term sector growth.

Exhibitions showcased Africa's finest coffee, tea, and industry innovations

Throughout the Expo, exhibitors from across Africa and beyond showcased premium coffee and tea products alongside technologies, equipment, packaging solutions, and value-added innovations supporting the industry's development.

The exhibition created opportunities for producers and companies to promote their brands, demonstrate product quality, engage directly with international buyers, and increase the visibility of African coffee and tea in global markets. Visitors also experienced the diversity and excellence of products that continue to strengthen Africa's reputation for producing world-class coffee and tea.

Barista Competition celebrated excellence and inspires coffee innovation

The Barista Competition showcased the creativity, technical expertise, and professionalism of talented baristas who demonstrated exceptional skills in preparing and presenting specialty coffee.

Beyond recognizing outstanding talent, the competition promoted coffee culture, encouraged innovation in beverage preparation, and inspired young professionals to pursue excellence within the specialty coffee industry. It also highlighted the growing importance of skilled coffee professionals in delivering exceptional consumer experiences and adding value throughout the coffee value chain.

Tea cupping strengthen quality appreciation and buyer confidence

The tea cupping sessions provided participants with an opportunity to evaluate a diverse range of premium teas through professional sensory analysis, focusing on aroma, flavor, appearance, and overall quality.

The sessions enhanced participants' understanding of quality standards while enabling buyers, producers, and industry experts to appreciate the distinctive characteristics of African teas. By promoting quality awareness and direct interaction between producers and buyers, the cupping sessions further strengthened confidence in Africa's premium tea offerings and supported efforts to expand access to high-value international markets.

Advancing Africa's coffee and tea industries

As ACT Expo 2026 comes to a close, the relationships established, knowledge shared, and opportunities created during the event are expected to continue driving innovation, trade, and investment across Africa's coffee and tea sectors.

The Expo once again demonstrated the power of collaboration in advancing sustainable value chains, strengthening market competitiveness, and positioning African coffee and tea for continued success on the global stage.