ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – In an interview with WIC, the Ethiopian Chapter Representative with African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA), Feven Genene, said that preparations are finalized to colorfully and hospitably host the conference and exhibition.
The Conference and Exhibition is Africa’s largest coffee trade that brings over regional and international coffee roasters, traders, producers, professionals and connoisseurs under one roof. So far over 700 participants are registered, she added.
According to Feven, Ethiopia had experienced hosting the African Fine Coffee Conference and Exhibition in 2007 and 2012.
The African Fine Coffee Association (AFCA) was established in July 2000, representing coffee sectors in 11 countries namely: Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Feven called up on the participants to get registered and take part in the Conference and Exhibition on time as the deadline is fast approaching.
Coffee, the most widely traded commodity next to oil, originated in Ethiopia. Coffee is critical to the Ethiopian economy, it was noted.
It is believed that coffee originated in Kaffa province, and in the 14th century was taken to Yemen, where the Dutches then found the drink and took coffee seedlings to Indonesia in the 17th century.
Coffee is still drunk with ceremonial or ritual significance in many parts of Ethiopia today.
The African Fine Coffees Association conference will be held from 15th – 17th February 2017 at Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa.
