Day one of the three-day Intra Africa Coffee and Chocolate Trade Week 2024 commenced on November 27, 2024, at Glee Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The event brought together key stakeholders to explore trade opportunities and foster innovation within Africa’s coffee and cocoa value chains.

Representing the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), CEO HSC Ahmed Farah reiterated KNCCI’s commitment to promoting trade and unlocking new opportunities in the coffee sector. He emphasized the importance of value addition, which requires strong support for local manufacturing.

Discussions on the first day focused on leveraging trade frameworks such as AfCFTA to enhance exports and attract investment. It also explored innovative opportunities in coffee pulp, biofuels, and cosmetics, highlighting Africa’s potential as a global leader in the coffee and cocoa industries through value addition, sustainability, and inclusivity

Key dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Andrew Karanja, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock; Amb. Isaiya Kabira, MBS, Secretary for Diaspora Investments, Skills & Entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs; and Mr. Simon Nyagah, CEO of World Alliance International.