Home East Africa Coffee exports from East Africa to EU doubled in four years

Coffee exports from East Africa to EU doubled in four years

October 5, 2023

(3 minutes read)

Coffee exports from East Africa to the European Union (EU) have been on the upswing. It has more than doubled in four years thanks to the support extended by the EU

Coffee exports from East Africa to the European Union (EU) have been on the upswing. It has more than doubled in four years thanks to the support extended by the EU. The exports of the bean hit record volumes, earning the bloc 1.1 billion euros last year, up from 488 million euros in 2018.

Earnings from avocado exports from the East African Community (EAC) partner states also went up to 112.4 million euros in 2022 from 85.5 million euros in 2018. This data was given by the EU authorities during the launch of the second phase of the EU-supported Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARK-UP).

The project to be executed in the next four years, will be implemented at a cost of Euro 40 million and is a follow-up to the first phase (2018–2022) for which the EU granted Euro 40 million. The EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms. Christine Grau, said MARK-UP II demonstrates the EU’s commitment to supporting EA companies, fostering sustainable growth, and creating decent job opportunities.

Both phases of the multi-million Euro undertaking are being implemented by the EU, the EAC, and the International Trade Centre (ITC) and are designed to help small businesses become more competitive on the international stage. Additionally, 37,819 small and medium enterprises were covered in this first phase.

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In phase one, more than 115 companies achieved a collective US$16 million in sales and exports. MARK-UP I also helped draw in US$1 million in investment for over 70 small businesses. The new phase will focus on EAC priority sectors including avocado, cocoa, coffee, essential oils, and French beans. Other products expected to undergo value addition and processing are gum Arabic, horticulture, leather, packaging, spices, and tea, “with an emphasis on diversification, investment, and export linkages.”