Ethiopia will host the first coffee conference that will be held on African soil, announced the Ministry of Trade.
The country is selected to host the global event following its significant contribution to the continent’s coffee industry, said Assefa Mulugeta, Export Trade Promotion Director with the ministry.
The 2016 World Coffee Conference and Exhibition will be held from February 21- 28, 2016. This 4th World Coffee Conference will be accompanied by the 116 regular meeting of the International Coffee Organization (ICO).
Around 1,500 foreign and local coffee producers, exporters, buyers and researches are expected at the conference, which will entertain deep and extended discussions on coffee production, marketing, finance and environment protection agendas.
An exhibition involving 120 companies and visits to coffee producing localities as well as tourist attractions sites are included in the week long program.
In addition to amplifying the linkage between Ethiopia and ICO, Africa’s first conference will portray the country’s positive image as well as expand the coffee industry.
It is also expected to encourage sharing of experiences among coffee producers and market linkage opportunities.
The government of Ethiopia will cover 15 million birr of the total 28 million required to organize the conference, according to Assefa. The reaming sum will be covered by sponsorships. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa will be the main venue for the conference. England, Brazil and Guatemala were the three nations that hosted the first, second and third conference, respectively.
The World Coffee Conference is held every four or five years.
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