GENEVA, Switzerland – African coffee growers travelled to India to learn advanced techniques for growing Robusta coffee. Their visit is part of efforts at the International Trade Centre (ITC) to enhance African coffee production and foster long-term partnerships with India.
With India recognized as the world’s second-largest Robusta producer, African countries are eager to explore cutting-edge innovations in farming, processing, and quality control.
Entrepreneurs, cooperatives, small enterprises, coffee producers and exporters ACRAM member countries – including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia.
The initiative aimed to foster South-South cooperation, allowing African Robusta-producing nations to benefit from India’s advanced coffee cultivation techniques and post-harvest processing practices.
African coffee growers learning from India’s coffee expertise
The mission’s itinerary was carefully curated to provide a comprehensive understanding of India’s coffee industry, from plantation management to market strategies.
Delegates observed India’s large-scale, professional coffee estates, gaining firsthand knowledge of farm management. Many found inspiration in how these models could be adapted in their home countries.
At the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI), they saw innovative shade systems for growing coffee, disease prevention strategies, and sustainable farming techniques. These insights can significantly improve coffee cultivation across Africa.
Through expert-led training sessions, delegates also learned about different coffee varieties and production methods used in India, equipping them with practical strategies for improving quality and yields.
Mastering coffee processing and quality standards
One of the key objectives of the trip was to prepare African producers for international coffee competitions and global markets by aligning with Coffee Quality Institute and Specialty Coffee Association standards.
Participants explored various roasting techniques and profiles, gaining a deeper understanding of how roasting influences coffee flavor and quality.
Through hands-on cupping training, delegates mastered professional techniques for evaluating coffee quality, a crucial skill for securing higher market prices.
India’s diverse and innovative coffee drying techniques – particularly those used for specialty coffee – provided practical models that could be replicated in African coffee-producing regions.
The trip took place under the framework of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Business-Friendly programme, funded by the EU and the Organisation of ACP States.
Fostering entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer
A highlight of the mission was the visit to the Atal Incubation Centre, Coffee Board of India, where participants engaged with initiatives designed to empower coffee entrepreneurs. They explored opportunities in expert mentoring, seed funding, business networking, consultancy, training, workshops, and research & development.
The interactions underscored the potential for future collaborations between Indian institutions and African coffee stakeholders.
By bridging knowledge gaps and fostering collaboration between India and African Robusta-producing nations, this initiative has set the foundation for long-term improvements in coffee quality and marketability. The delegation left India not only with technical expertise but also with strengthened networks that will facilitate ongoing cooperation in the global coffee industry.
As African coffee producers integrate these insights into their operations, the impact is expected to be far-reaching – enhancing competitiveness, increasing exports, and ultimately improving livelihoods across the coffee value chain.
