The Policy Dinner is a flagship AFCA event that brings together key representatives from the public and private sectors across coffee-producing countries. As a by-invitation-only event, participants were carefully selected in collaboration with AFCA to ensure meaningful discussions and valuable contributions to the sector’s development.
Prior to the dinner, discussions were held at the table level, facilitated by moderators engaged by ITC, including Café Africa staff, coffee experts, and ITC representatives. These discussions were structured around five key questions, following the two panel discussions earlier in the day and the two priority topics identified by the AFCA Board. This included challenges and opportunities for coffee trade under AfCFTA, financial and market risks and risk management tools, strengthening regional collaboration, and key priorities for a Regional Coffee Working Group.
Stakeholders emphasized the need to formalize the structure of the Regional Coffee Working Group under AFCA, develop a clear roadmap with defined responsibilities and milestones, and enhance engagement with policymakers to advocate for key policy reforms.
The working group under AFCA will receive support through this initiative, with ongoing discussions between EU-EAC MARKUP II and AFCA to strengthen coordination and define the next steps..
