(Ecofin Agency) - African coffee output could rise by 2-3 million tons, annually, in the next five years. Ishak Lukenge, president of African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA), told Bloomberg.

According to the official, this increase will be spurred by measures undertaken to boost plantings and diversify  varieties produced while improving farming practices. 

The countries which made the most efforts for these measures are Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda which would lead the movement with a forecasted production estimated at 20 million bags by 2025.

Though this performance will improve the continent’s importance on the market which is currently dominated by Brazil and Vietnam, an increase in the production only won’t be enough.

According to observers, Africa (which currently accounts for 10% of the global market) will also have to think of quality and access the specialty coffee market which is more profitable than mass coffee.

Let’s note that according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s forecasts, Africa should produce 16 million tons this season.

 Espoir Olodo