Kenya’s coffee industry is brewing success, with exports surging by 12% in 2024—a major win for one of Africa’s most treasured commodities. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the country exported 53,519 tonnes of coffee, up from 47,861 tonnes in 2023, reinforcing Kenya’s status as a global coffee powerhouse.
This impressive growth was fueled by expanding shipments to key markets, alongside a wave of strategic reforms aimed at revitalizing the sector. The result? A revenue boost to Kes 38.4 billion (US$296.8 million) in 2024, compared to US$251 million in 2023. The bulk of exports occurred in the second and third quarters, totaling 15,903 tonnes and 17,017 tonnes, respectively.
Reforms Driving Kenya’s Coffee Renaissance
Kenya’s coffee sector is undergoing a transformational revival, with government-led interventions designed to double production within four years. Farmers are now reaping the benefits of:
✅ Prompt payments, ensuring quick returns for their hard work.
✅ Subsidized fertilizer, making coffee farming more affordable.
✅ Affordable loans, with a US$27.1 million revolving fund providing crucial financial support.
Additionally, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) is spearheading a nationwide coffee-planting campaign, targeting a surge in coffee seed production from 5,000 kg to 15,000 kg by 2027/28.
Dr. Felister Makini, KALRO’s Deputy Director-Crop, emphasizes that coffee remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, ranking fifth in foreign exchange earnings after diaspora remittances, tea, horticulture, and tourism.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Markets
While Europe and North America have long been Kenya’s top coffee buyers, the country is actively pursuing new opportunities in the Arab and Asian markets. This strategic shift was evident in February when Kenya hosted over 50 coffee importers from China and South Korea at the Africa Coffee Trade Fair 2025.
The goal? To position Kenyan coffee as a premium product in Asia’s booming specialty coffee scene. With rising demand for high-quality beans in China, South Korea, and the Middle East, Kenya is seizing the moment to diversify its customer base and increase its global footprint.
Africa’s Coffee Boom: A Continental Success Story
Kenya’s coffee success story is part of a larger African resurgence in the global coffee trade. Neighboring Ethiopia shattered records, earning over US$1 billion in just seven months of the 2024/25 fiscal year. Initially targeting 156,190 tonnes, Ethiopia surpassed expectations with 223,046 tonnes—a 151% increase in volume and 127% of its financial target.
Such milestones highlight Africa’s untapped potential in the coffee industry, making it clear that the continent is poised to be a global leader.
From Beans to Brands: The Push for Value Addition
Despite Africa’s impressive coffee exports, industry leaders argue that the continent must do more than just sell raw beans. At the 3rd G25 African Coffee Summit in Dar es Salaam, discussions centered on value addition—a shift that could dramatically boost revenues for African nations.
Tanzania’s Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, underscored the urgency of this transformation, pointing out a staggering $47 billion gap between Africa’s coffee exports ($3 billion) and its coffee product imports ($50 billion).
“It’s alarming that while Africa exports coffee worth $3 billion, it imports coffee products valued at US$50 billion. We must set ambitious targets to increase our production to at least 20% of global output by 2030,” Bashe emphasized.
The Future of African Coffee: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity
With production rising and new markets opening up, Kenya and Africa at large stand at a pivotal moment. By embracing value addition—roasting, packaging, and branding coffee locally—the continent could unlock billions in additional revenue while creating jobs and fostering economic resilience.
Kenya’s 12% export growth in 2024 is just the beginning. With policy reforms, expanded market reach, and value addition efforts, Africa is not just exporting coffee—it’s shaping the future of the global coffee industry.
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