ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The African Union Commissioner for Rural Development and Agriculture, Rhoda Peace Tumusiime has called on governments and the private sector to join efforts in support of the coffee industry in Africa for inclusive growth, jobs and income opportunities for women and the youth on the continent.
Mrs. Tumusiime said this when she addressed the opening session of the 3rd African Coffee Symposium in Luanda Angola on 24th November 2015.
Commissioner Tumusiime specifically highlighted the need for a focus on inclusive growth through women and youth participation, influence and market access; financial inclusion for women and the youth; agribusiness incubation; and agricultural technical and vocational education training as key strategic areas which need attention in order to have a highly competitive coffee value chain in Africa which offers jobs and income opportunities for women and the youth.
Hon. Alfonso Pedro Canga, who is also the President of the Inter-African Coffee Organization, said that the Government of Angola is taking a number of macroeconomic measures to leverage private sector investments in the agricultural sector.
These should help increase the area under coffee cultivation, facilitate marketing and value addition in the coffee value chain.
Delegates from the 25 coffee producing countries in Africa are attending the conference from 23-27 November 2015.
