Coffee is considered to be an important generator of foreign currency in several countries, making a significant contribution to the total value of exports. In this sense, Mozambique’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Celso Correia, said that the country has the conditions to be “a player” in the international coffee market, defending the need for more research and investment in this agricultural crop.
Mozambican coffee is organic, responding to demand from the international market, where consumers are increasingly interested in organic products, and providing an opportunity for the country to become an important player in the international market, he said during the opening ceremony of the first edition of the Coffee Festival, which is taking place in Maputo.
According to the official, “Mozambique is well positioned in the international classification, since the coffee produced in the country appears qualified in the class of speciality coffees”, adding that “this level can place the product in the rare coffees sector”.
“We must invest in coffee growing for the conservation of biodiversity, since this approach has received a great deal of attention from international organisations. In the social field, production is beginning to gain importance because it is now a source of income for many farmers,” he emphasised.
“The country’s accession to the International Coffee Organisation in June 2023 opens up the opportunity to attract investment and technical assistance for the development of a national coffee industry, which aims to position itself competitively on the global market,” she stressed.
For the executive director of the International Coffee Organisation, Vanúsia Nogueira, Mozambique has the potential to become a major producer and exporter of coffee, because it has high quality species and there is a broad commitment among relevant entities to invest in this crop.
“There are regions here in Mozambique with great potential for coffee production. The economic viability of species that have already been identified should be tested, with a view to preparing to take advantage of the growing world consumer market,” she added.
Citing studies, the executive director said that at least 2.5 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day in the world and 25 million families are involved in the production of this crop.
The Coffee Festival takes place in Maputo on 14 and 15 June, bringing together industry experts, producers and enthusiasts. The two-day event aims to promote dialogue and sustainable growth in the Mozambican coffee value chain. With a programme rich in panel discussions, the fair also offers exhibitions highlighting a variety of coffee products and producers, both national and international.
