African coffee conquers cups in the Gulf. Here’s why

• African coffee entrepreneurs are turning the Gulf region into the next big destination for the continent’s bean exports.
• With its deep-rooted coffee culture and growing appetite for specialty and ethically sourced brews, the Gulf is turning into a premium destination for African exports.
• Amid fluctuating Arabica prices, Gulf buyers are beginning to turn their attention to high-quality Robusta—and African producers are ready to deliver.

In January 2025, the World of Coffee Dubai trade show once again underscored the United Arab Emirates’ emergence as a serious player in global coffee trade—and Africa was at the center of this evolution. The event offered more than just exhibition space; it served as a launchpad for African coffee entrepreneurs to introduce their brands to a high-potential, high-growth region: the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

For entrepreneurs like John Francois of Asili Coffee in Ghana and Willy Kanyinda Kadima of Cocoi Café in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this wasn’t just a trade fair—it was a gateway. From inking new partnerships to securing market intelligence and scouting Gulf demand patterns, Dubai provided access to a fast-expanding frontier for African coffee.

The Gulf: A growing hub for African coffee

With its deep-rooted coffee culture and growing appetite for specialty and ethically sourced brews, the Gulf is becoming more than just a consumer market—it’s turning into a premium destination for African exports. The region’s strategic advantages include:

• A sophisticated logistics network through Dubai
• Rising investor interest in African agribusiness
• A booming e-commerce ecosystem

“Africa’s proximity to the region gives us a competitive edge,” noted Willy. “Shorter shipping times and lower logistics costs give African producers a chance to shine. What’s more, there’s growing demand for traceable and sustainable coffee, which aligns perfectly with what we offer.”

This regional shift is no accident. The scramble for high-quality, affordable coffee is intensifying globally, especially with supply chain pressures in traditional producer markets. Africa, with its diverse coffee profiles and expanding infrastructure, is stepping confidently into this vacuum.

Entrepreneurs brewing impact at origin

While the allure of new markets is strong, African entrepreneurs aren’t losing sight of the bigger picture—social impact at home. John Francois is committed to ensuring his work uplifts coffee-growing communities in Ghana.

“We focus on fair and prompt payments to farmers and look into supporting them with other livelihood opportunities,” he said. “It’s about building a brand that stands for more than just taste—it has to stand for integrity.”

Willy echoed similar values. At Cocoi Café, environmental responsibility is front and center. “Meeting the EU’s deforestation regulations isn’t just a compliance checkbox. It’s about ensuring that Congolese farmers are part of a traceable and sustainable value chain that can command a premium price.”

This dual focus on quality and impact is resonating with Gulf buyers, who increasingly seek transparency, origin stories, and ethical sourcing. As a result, African coffee is no longer seen as a commodity—it’s evolving into a craft product with a compelling narrative.

A new taste for Robusta and origin-driven demand

Amid fluctuating Arabica prices, buyers are beginning to turn their attention to high-quality Robusta—and African producers are ready to deliver. Congolese and Ugandan Robustas, once overlooked, are now being celebrated for their unique taste profiles and sustainable cultivation practices.

“People want traceability, sustainability, and authenticity,” said Willy. “Africa has all three—and we’re just getting started.”

From single-origin labels to carbon-neutral farming, African producers are increasingly investing in innovations that resonate with global and Gulf trends alike.

Partnerships that power the shift

The success of African coffee entrepreneurs at World of Coffee Dubai was made possible through the support of the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Alliances for Action, under the ACP Business-Friendly programme, funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

These partnerships are not only facilitating market access but also equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, certifications, and networks needed to compete on a global stage. The result? A new generation of coffee leaders rewriting Africa’s role in the world’s most cherished beverage economy.

As global coffee demand shifts and consumers in the Gulf seek more sustainable, story-rich brews, Africa is no longer on the sidelines—it’s front and center. Dubai and its neighboring markets are fast becoming a magnet for African coffee, offering both the infrastructure and the appetite for ethical, flavorful, and community-driven brands.

For policymakers, coffee marketers, and global traders, the message is clear: the next frontier of coffee is not just about beans—it’s about brand, origin, and values. And that frontier leads straight from Africa’s highlands to the heart of the Gulf.

Read also: Excelsa coffee: The next big brew on the global stage