Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) and the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) have renewed and expanded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaffirming their shared values and commitment to collaborate.
“AFCA is committed to expanding opportunities for millions of producers in some of the most storied coffee origins in the world,” said Michael Sheridan, Chief Executive Officer at Coffee Quality Institute. “CQI is proud to renew our partnership with AFCA in support of that worthy objective at a time when we are renewing our own commitment to improve the lives of coffee producers. This MOU builds on the deep alignment in the mission and values of the two organizations and a track record of successful partnership to set the stage for expanded collaboration into the future.”
Representatives from both organizations met at SCA EXPO in Houston to exchange signatures. The African Fine Coffees Association represents the coffee sectors of eleven countries: Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Key points in the memorandum include:
• Building professional skills and product knowledge through CQl's Post Harvest Processing programs. This program spans both Arabica and Robusta.
• Consulting and supporting AFCA's operations, as desired. This could include training, coffee quality competitions, or providing short-term technical
assistance.
• Collaborating on CQI community support.
• Supporting green coffee buyer origin trips and market access activities.
• Collaborating with AFCA partner organizations on coffee education, skills building, and product and market knowledge development.
“AFCA exists to advocate for our members across the African coffee value chain—from farmers and exporters to institutions and innovators,” said Gilbert Gatali, Executive Director of the African Fine Coffees Association. “We are proud to renew our collaboration with CQI, an organization that shares our vision of building capacity, promoting quality, and enhancing market access for African coffees. This MOU reinforces our commitment to professionalizing the sector and co-developing meaningful programming that drives long-term impact.”
