Tanzania has secured its position as Africa’s leading producer of certified coffee after ranking among the world’s top producers, strengthening its standing in the global coffee industry.
Certified coffee is cultivated using environmentally sustainable farming systems that promote biodiversity, soil conservation and the use of approved organic inputs.
Speaking to journalists following the country’s participation in the 2026 African Fine Coffees Association Conference and Expo in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Director of Marketing and Coffee Promotions at the, Frank Nyarusi, revealed that Tanzania now ranks fourth globally in certified coffee production.
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According to figures presented by the International Continental Coffee Exchange at the conference, only Brazil, Peru and Mexico rank ahead of Tanzania making it the highest-ranked producer in Africa.
Nyarusi described the achievement as a major milestone that enhances Tanzania’s reputation as a global coffee brand and opens doors for expanded certified coffee production to boost both individual incomes and the national economy.
He attributed the growth partly to changing consumer preferences, noting that global demand for organic coffee has risen significantly in recent years as more consumers opt for certified products over conventional alternatives.
At the 2026 conference hosted by the , Tanzania also recorded notable successes in other areas. Two Tanzanian baristas advanced to the semi-finals of the AFCA Barista Competition, marking the country’s first participation in the contest outside its borders.
Nyarusi said the achievement is expected to inspire greater local participation in future competitions.
In quality rankings, Tanzania placed second in Africa in the Experimental Arabica category through a submission by Finagro Plantation in Karatu, Arusha Region, and third in the Washed Arabica category through coffee produced by WAMACU of Mara Region.
Beyond competition results, Tanzanian delegates used the expo to showcase investment opportunities within the coffee sector and provide guidance on quality production at the national exhibition booth, with support from Tanzania Coffee Board officials.
Founded in July 2000, AFCA is a member-based, non-profit association representing coffee producers, traders, governments and support organisations across 11 African countries, with its secretariat headquartered in Kampala, Uganda.
The association works to strengthen Africa’s presence in the global specialty and fine coffee market.
Nyarusi expressed optimism that the outcomes of AFCA 2026 will drive further improvements in quality and production across Tanzania’s coffee industry.
