Where African Leadership Meets Global Coffee & Tea Excellence
The Africa Coffee & Tea Expo 2025 brings together the continent’s most influential voices to shape the future of an industry that supports over 25 million livelihoods across Africa. When ACT Expo speakers take the stage in Kigali this July, they won’t just be sharing insights—they’ll be defining the trajectory of Africa coffee experts and tea industry leaders for the next decade.
What makes these speakers extraordinary? Beyond their impressive credentials, each brings unique perspectives from successfully navigating Africa’s agricultural transformation, from policy-making at the highest levels to grassroots innovation that’s revolutionizing how the world perceives African coffee and tea quality.
This unprecedented gathering of expertise represents more than a conference—it’s a masterclass in African agricultural excellence, sustainable development, and the strategic vision needed to position Africa’s coffee and tea industries as global leaders, not just suppliers.
Keynote Speakers: African Leadership Defining Global Standards
Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe – Minister of Agriculture, Rwanda
Dr. Bagabe embodies Rwanda’s remarkable agricultural transformation story. Appointed in October 2024, he brings over 20 years of leadership experience and previously served as Director General of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA). His expertise in agricultural research, policy, and quality management has been instrumental in positioning Rwanda as a specialty coffee powerhouse.
Under his leadership, Rwanda has achieved:
- 85+ cupping scores consistently for specialty coffee
- 30% increase in coffee export value over five years
- Sustainable farming certifications for 60% of coffee cooperatives
- Direct trade relationships eliminating traditional intermediaries
His ACT Expo presentation will focus on “Policy Frameworks for Agricultural Excellence,” sharing how strategic government support can transform commodity producers into specialty market leaders. This session provides invaluable insights for other African nations seeking to replicate Rwanda’s coffee success model.
Dr. Bagabe’s approach demonstrates how Africa coffee experts can leverage policy support to achieve premium market positioning while maintaining smallholder farmer inclusion.
Dr. Agnes Kalibata – Former Minister & AGRA President
Dr. Agnes Kalibata stands as one of Africa’s most respected agricultural leaders. As President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) since 2014, she has championed efforts to transform African agriculture by empowering smallholder farmers and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth across the continent.
Her transformative impact includes:
- Leading AGRA’s $4 billion investment in African agricultural development
- Chairing the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 representing global agricultural transformation
- Advocating for 30 million smallholder farmers across 11 African countries
- Pioneering climate-smart agriculture initiatives across the continent
Her keynote address “Sustainable Transformation: From Subsistence to Global Markets” will explore how tea industry leaders and coffee producers can scale sustainable practices while maintaining profitability. Her insights are particularly valuable for understanding how African producers can meet evolving global sustainability standards.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr. Kalibata’s work has directly improved livelihoods for over 9 million African farming households.
Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe – Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia
Hailemariam Desalegn brings unparalleled geopolitical perspective to Africa’s coffee and tea industries. Serving as Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 2012 to 2018, he led the world’s fifth-largest coffee-producing nation and remains influential in regional peacebuilding and agricultural transformation efforts.
His leadership legacy includes:
- Overseeing Ethiopia’s $3.2 billion annual coffee exports during his tenure
- Establishing the Ethiopian Coffee Exchange modernizing traditional trading systems
- Leading regional integration initiatives strengthening East African agricultural cooperation
- Championing smallholder farmer empowerment through cooperative development
His presentation “Geopolitical Dynamics in Global Coffee Trade” will address how African nations can leverage regional cooperation to strengthen their position in international markets. This session is particularly relevant given current global supply chain challenges and the need for African producers to diversify market access.
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) recognizes Ethiopia’s transformation under his leadership as a model for other coffee-producing nations.
Industry Panels: Deep Expertise Addressing Critical Challenges
Climate Change & Sustainability Panel
The sustainability panel features Africa’s leading experts in climate-smart agriculture, addressing the most pressing challenge facing coffee and tea producers: adapting to climate change while maintaining quality and profitability.
Featured Panel Experts:
Inger Andersen – Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Global authority on environmental policy and climate adaptation
- Leading advocate for sustainable agricultural practices in developing nations
- Expert perspective on upcoming EU deforestation regulations affecting African exports
Juliet Kabera – Director General, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)
- Rwanda’s environmental transformation architect
- Climate adaptation strategies for high-altitude coffee and tea production
- Practical implementation of sustainable farming certifications
This panel addresses critical questions:
- How can African producers adapt to changing rainfall patterns?
- What certification programs provide the best market access?
- How do climate investments improve both sustainability and profitability?
Recent studies by the International Trade Centre (ITC) show that climate-adapted farming practices can increase yields by 25% while reducing environmental impact.
Market Access & Value Addition Panel
This session tackles the fundamental challenge of moving beyond commodity trading to capture greater value from Africa’s exceptional coffee and tea quality.
Panel Leadership:
Andrew Rugasira – Founder, Good African Coffee
- Pioneer of direct trade relationships between African farmers and international markets
- Advocate for African coffee branding and premium positioning
- Proven track record helping farmers achieve 40% price premiums
Margaret Nyamumbo – Founder & CEO, Kahawa 1893
- Harvard graduate bringing Wall Street expertise to African coffee
- Innovative direct-to-consumer marketing strategies
- Women farmer empowerment advocate ensuring equitable profit distribution
Key discussion topics include:
- Strategies for bypassing traditional commodity exchanges
- Building African coffee and tea brands with global recognition
- Leveraging digital platforms for direct market access
- Creating traceability systems that tell African quality stories
Women & Youth Inclusion Panel
This groundbreaking panel highlights the next generation of African coffee and tea leadership, focusing on how women and youth are driving innovation and sustainable growth across the industry.
Panel Participants:
Sara Yirga – Rwanda Chapter Head, International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA)
- Leading women’s empowerment in Rwanda’s coffee sector
- Developing female leadership programs for cooperative management
- Creating market access opportunities specifically for women producers
Blanco Castro – Executive Director, International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA)
- Global perspective on women’s roles in coffee value chains
- Advocacy for gender equity in agricultural development programs
- Strategic insights on how women’s inclusion improves overall industry sustainability
This panel explores:
- How women’s cooperatives achieve higher quality standards
- Youth engagement strategies for industry continuity
- Financial inclusion programs supporting women producers
- Innovation in processing techniques led by younger farmers
Featured Snippet: ACT Expo 2025 Speaker Highlights
Who are the key speakers at ACT Expo 2025?
- Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe – Rwanda Minister of Agriculture, agricultural transformation expert
- Dr. Agnes Kalibata – AGRA President, former Agriculture Minister, UN Food Systems Summit Chair
- Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe – Former Ethiopia Prime Minister, coffee industry policy leader
- Inger Andersen – UNEP Executive Director, global environmental policy authority
- Andrew Rugasira – Good African Coffee founder, direct trade pioneer
- Margaret Nyamumbo – Kahawa 1893 CEO, Harvard graduate, women’s empowerment advocate
- Multiple industry panels covering sustainability, market access, and inclusion
- Interactive networking opportunities with B2B matchmaking sessions
Networking Opportunities: Where Expertise Meets Action
Coffee Barista Championships
The ACT Expo 2025 Coffee Barista Championships showcase not just technical skill, but the deep knowledge that Africa coffee experts bring to the global specialty coffee community. Judges include international coffee quality experts and African producers, creating unique knowledge exchange opportunities.
Competition highlights:
- African coffee exclusivity – all competitions use African-origin beans
- Cultural storytelling – baristas share the heritage behind their chosen coffees
- Technical innovation – showcasing African processing methods and brewing techniques
- Industry networking – connecting champions with international roasters and distributors
Tea Sommelier Competitions
The Tea Sommelier Competition elevates African tea appreciation to new levels, featuring tea industry leaders as judges and mentors. This competition specifically highlights the diversity and quality of African tea production.
Competition elements:
- Terroir recognition – identifying unique characteristics of African tea regions
- Processing expertise – understanding how different methods affect flavor profiles
- Market knowledge – connecting tea qualities to appropriate consumer segments
- Innovation showcase – highlighting new African tea products and blends
B2B Matchmaking Sessions
The structured networking sessions facilitate meaningful connections between speakers and participants, ensuring that the expertise shared on stage translates into actionable business relationships.
Matchmaking features:
- Pre-scheduled meetings with keynote speakers and panel experts
- Industry-specific networking for coffee versus tea professionals
- Investment connections linking financial experts with growth-stage companies
- Policy discussions connecting government officials with private sector leaders
The Africa Coffee & Tea Expo registration system ensures participants are matched with relevant speakers based on their business interests and development needs.
The Expertise Impact: Why These Speakers Matter
Transforming Industry Narratives
These speakers collectively represent a fundamental shift in how the global coffee and tea industries perceive African production. Rather than viewing Africa as merely a raw material supplier, their expertise demonstrates the continent’s capacity for:
- Quality leadership – Setting global standards rather than following them
- Innovation development – Creating solutions for industry-wide challenges
- Sustainable practices – Leading environmental stewardship while maintaining profitability
- Market sophistication – Understanding and adapting to evolving consumer preferences
Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building
The real value of ACT Expo speakers lies not just in their individual expertise, but in their commitment to knowledge transfer. Each speaker brings:
Practical Implementation Strategies:
- Policy frameworks that other African nations can adapt
- Business models proven successful in African contexts
- Technology solutions appropriate for smallholder farmers
- Market access strategies that bypass traditional barriers
Mentorship Opportunities:
- One-on-one consultations during networking sessions
- Follow-up programming connecting speakers with emerging leaders
- Resource sharing including research, contacts, and funding opportunities
- Collaborative project development extending beyond the expo
According to attendee feedback from similar events, 85% of participants report implementing strategies learned from expert speakers within six months of attendance.
Future-Proofing African Coffee & Tea Excellence
Building on Speaker Expertise
The insights shared by ACT Expo 2025 speakers will continue influencing African coffee and tea development long after the event concludes. Their collective expertise addresses fundamental questions:
- How can African producers maintain quality while scaling production?
- What policy support is needed for sustainable industry growth?
- How do climate challenges become competitive advantages?
- What role do women and youth play in industry transformation?
Creating Lasting Networks
The speaker lineup represents more than individual expertise—it creates a network of African agricultural leaders committed to the continent’s coffee and tea success. This network facilitates:
- Ongoing collaboration between different African producing regions
- Resource sharing for research and development initiatives
- Policy coordination for stronger international market positioning
- Knowledge documentation ensuring expertise transfer to future generations
Conclusion: Your Invitation to Learn from Africa’s Best
The ACT Expo 2025 speaker lineup represents unprecedented access to the minds shaping Africa’s agricultural future. These aren’t just presentations—they’re masterclasses in transformation, leadership, and vision from individuals who have successfully navigated the complexities of African agricultural development.
For coffee and tea professionals, this represents a unique opportunity to learn directly from leaders who understand both the challenges and opportunities facing African producers. Their insights could transform your understanding of the industry and reveal new pathways for business growth and development.
For agricultural development enthusiasts, the speakers offer proof that African leadership is driving global agricultural innovation, not merely responding to external demands.
The expertise assembled for ACT Expo 2025 demonstrates why Kigali has become the natural gathering place for African agricultural excellence. These speakers don’t just represent their individual achievements—they embody the collective potential of an entire continent.
Ready to Learn from Africa’s Agricultural Visionaries?
Secure your place at ACT Expo 2025 and gain direct access to the expertise that’s transforming Africa’s coffee and tea industries. These speakers rarely appear together at a single event—this is your opportunity to learn from the best.
Register now for the Africa Coffee & Tea Expo 2025 and be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s agricultural future.
Connect with the speakers and fellow industry professionals who share your passion for African coffee and tea excellence. The future of the industry will be shaped by the conversations that happen in Kigali this July.
