In The Spotlight
Bananas remain central to the Roselands community, forming both a cultural identity and a core source of income.
Banana growers along KwaZulu-Natal’s coast are facing a devastating crisis as Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) tears through plantations, wiping out crops and threatening the livelihoods of rural communities.
The KwaNyuswa Agricultural Farm in Ramsgate has been hit especially hard, losing 3,000 banana plants since February 2025. The farm, which is community-owned, estimates its financial losses at around R500,000 – a blow that places 103 indirect beneficiaries at risk.
KwaZulu-Natal has long been fondly regarded as “kwelikabhanana”, a reflection of the province’s long-standing relationship with banana production. Bananas remain central to the Roselands community, forming both a cultural identity and a core source of income. At KwaNyuswa Agricultural Farm, a 25-hectare operation reclaimed in 2008, bananas have consistently been the flagship crop and the main revenue driver for the Roselands community trust.
That success, however, is now under severe threat. The highly destructive BBTV, which affects both banana and plantain plants, has rapidly spread across the region. The virus causes stunting and a characteristic “bunched” arrangement of newer leaves, which appear narrower and more upright than normal. Infected plants seldom produce fruit, making the disease catastrophic for farmers. Spread by the banana aphid or contaminated planting material, BBTV demands intensive labour for scouting and control—driving production costs sharply upward.
The severity of the outbreak prompted the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Nokuzola Capa, to meet banana growers from the Ugu District Municipality on 26 September 2025. On 12 November, she delivered agrochemicals to commercial, smallholder, and subsistence farmers battling the virus. Capa stressed that “the threat of BBTV in the Ugu District Municipality of KZN has been a persistent issue since 2015” and noted that the department had invested substantial resources in chemical support, adviser training, and community awareness.
These interventions have been welcomed by growers, but many say chemicals alone will not be enough. Sphephelo Ngubane, KwaNyuswa’s manager of farm operations and technical support, told Daily Maverick that replanting is essential for recovery. “We need items that are essential for the recovery of lost yields. This includes banana seedlings, MAP planting fertiliser, top dressing fertiliser, and irrigation input… [and a] packhouse revamp,” he said.
Ngubane emphasised that while the chemicals will help control aphids especially for small-scale farmers ongoing training, scouting, and record-keeping remain critical. “We continuously scout for new or primary symptoms… The most essential thing is to ensure field monitoring through scouting and record keeping… and to follow treatment protocols and recommendations by the research institutions such as ARC,” he said.
He added that more research is desperately needed, noting a lack of accessible information for farmers facing economically damaging diseases. Support from regional organisations such as the South Natal Banana Association has been invaluable, he said.
Ngubane concluded with a reminder of what is at stake for the South Coast: “Bananas are our community’s backbone. If we control BBTV now, we not only save a crop, but a whole rural community.”
Beekeeping protecting food security in South Africa.
South Africa is stepping up efforts to strengthen its beekeeping sector, with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen reaffirming government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s honeybee populations and the livelihoods that depend on them.
Speaking at the Beekeeping Awareness Field Day at Oude Raapkraal in Westlake, Cape Town, he described honeybees as “the farmers of the sky,” emphasising their essential yet often overlooked contribution to food security, biodiversity, and rural economies.
Addressing attendees, Steenhuisen highlighted that bees play a far greater role than simply producing honey. “They do not use tractors or ploughs, yet their work ensures that nearly 75% of our food crops bear fruit. In South Africa, bee pollination contributes more than R10 billion every year to agriculture,” he said. This pollination service directly supports the country’s food production system and indirectly fuels job creation across numerous agricultural industries.
Beekeeping, recognised under the Animal Improvement Act (Act No. 62 of 1998) as part of agricultural activity, is closely aligned with several national priorities. These include increased agricultural output, improved food and nutrition security, strengthened biosecurity measures, and improved market access for local producers. However, Steenhuisen warned that multiple threats including habitat loss, prolonged drought, and irresponsible pesticide use are putting bee populations at risk. “When the land stops flowering, bees go hungry, colonies weaken, and honey yields decline,” he cautioned.
He encouraged citizens and farmers to play a role in restoring bee forage. “Imagine if every farm, school, and roadside in South Africa became a bee garden – filled with indigenous plants, fruit trees, and wildflowers,” Steenhuisen said. He also stressed the importance of responsible pesticide management, warning that “spraying at the wrong time, during bloom, can kill thousands of bees overnight.” To mitigate this, the department is promoting integrated pest management and improved communication between farmers and beekeepers.
Beyond pollination, the Minister drew attention to the honey value chain, which holds significant economic potential. South Africa produces up to 2,500 tons of honey per year but consumes nearly twice that amount. As a result, domestic markets rely heavily on imports, with a large portion sourced from China. “We rely heavily on the imports of natural honey, with more than 80% of our imported honey coming from China… Since there is such a high demand for this product, we have seen an increase of very poor quality and sometimes adulterated honey,” Steenhuisen said.
To protect consumers and support local producers, the Department of Agriculture’s Inspection Services will conduct an operation in December to remove mislabelled or counterfeit honey products from shop shelves. Steenhuisen said these efforts form part of a broader initiative to build a trustworthy, competitive, and locally driven honey sector.
Progress is also being made in research and biosecurity. Key priorities include the development of a National Beekeeping/Apiculture Strategy, an American foulbrood (AFB) Management and Response Strategy, a national Bee Forage Strategy, and the finalisation of the Residue Monitoring Plan required for honey exports to the EU. The department has also revived the Honey Value Chain Round-Table Forum and re-established cooperation with the South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO). In addition, the Agricultural Research Council has been commissioned to conduct a national survey on AFB as part of its mandate to protect beekeeping and pollination services.
“Our task is clear - to protect these pollinators, nurture our beekeepers, and grow South Africa's honey industry into a model of sustainability and pride. Together, we can make sure that the hum of the honeybee continues to be the sound of life, abundance, and hope for generations to come.”
A Hub for global collaboration. (Image credit: VIV MEA)
VIV MEA 2025 is set to return to Abu Dhabi from 25–27 November, bringing together an impressive showcase of international agricultural innovation.
Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this year’s event will feature dedicated pavilions from the United States, France, and Korea—each presenting technologies designed to strengthen the Middle East’s food security, boost sustainability, and improve efficiency across the animal protein supply chain.
American Pavilion: Advancing Regional Food Security
With the support of the U.S. Commercial Service, the American Pavilion will unite 20 leading suppliers offering solutions across the full animal production spectrum. Exhibitors will present innovations in feed ingredients, livestock genetics, poultry production technology, feed processing systems, grain storage, and more.
Madison Martin, VIV North American Representative at IMEX Management, emphasises that the USA Pavilion highlights technologies that enhance sustainability, productivity, and biosecurity. Both long-standing suppliers and first-time participants will introduce advancements in animal health, feed efficiency, and production technology responding directly to the region’s rising need for reliable and efficient food production systems.
French Pavilion: Leading Innovation Across the Value Chain
The French Pavilion will host 28 companies, including five exhibitors making their debut at VIV MEA. Covering farm equipment, breeding, feed solutions, processing technology, and veterinary care, the pavilion underscores France’s strong reputation in high-quality agricultural systems.
Anne-Marie Brault, Operational Activities Project Manager at Business France, notes that French exhibitors offer solutions rooted in quality, durability, and innovation. A key trend this year is the use of plant-based and natural products, including probiotics and phytotherapy, to enhance animal health.
Highlights include Agri Réseaux International’s ARIonline market intelligence platform; Difagri’s DIFATOX, which blends yeast and plants to combat mycotoxins; Laboratoires ACI’s AGRICHOC TOTAL; SIPENA’s protected potassium carbonate for supporting cows under heat stress; STI Biotechnologies’ METALAC Postbiotic; and Technivet Equine’s phytogenic and bioresonance-based animal health products.
Korean Pavilion: Advanced Veterinary and Diagnostic Solutions
Organised by the Korea Animal Health Products Association (KAHPA), the Korean Pavilion will feature 11 companies specialising in vaccines, diagnostics, and veterinary pharmaceuticals. Gee-Myung Kim, Team Leader of KAHPA’s Planning Department, explains that Korean exhibitors aim to deepen partnerships in the Middle East and Africa by offering “proven quality veterinary medicine.” Korean companies will present poultry vaccines including those targeting Newcastle Disease—advanced diagnostic systems, and functional formulations that strengthen immunity and energy metabolism to boost livestock productivity.
Recognising the region’s diverse species, Korean exhibitors will also showcase specialised products for camels, racehorses, and companion animals.
A Hub for Global Collaboration
Together, the American, French, and Korean pavilions will provide a comprehensive platform for industry professionals to explore new technologies, connect with global manufacturers, and build long-term partnerships that support the region’s agricultural advancement.
Uganda’s identity will feature prominently in Cotti Coffee advertising across major Asian cities.
Uganda’s coffee sector has recorded a significant milestone after local exporters clinched trade deals worth US$3mn during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
The event, held from 5–10 November, saw Uganda’s coffee take centre stage as four prominent exporters — Meg Rae Coffee, Kwezi Coffee, Inspire Africa, and Elgon Coffee — showcased both green and roasted varieties. Their participation was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), which coordinated the national pavilion under the theme “Agriculture–Tourism–Prosperity.”
Uganda’s stand quickly became one of the busiest in the agricultural hall, drawing interest from commercial buyers, roasters, retailers, and global logistics companies. Officials from MAAIF also held strategic engagements with Chinese traders and took part in discussions on digital innovation in the coffee value chain and import policies for developing economies.
A key highlight from the Expo was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Cotti Coffee, currently the world’s fastest-growing coffee retail chain with more than 7,500 shops across 28 countries. This partnership marks a transformative step for Uganda as it opens a direct link between Ugandan coffee farmers and one of Asia’s most dynamic consumer markets.
The MoU, signed between MAAIF and Cotti Supply Chain (Anhui) Ltd, focuses on promoting Uganda’s coffee brand throughout China and internationally. It includes provisions for joint marketing campaigns, farmer training initiatives, technology transfer, and investment in value addition particularly in post-harvest handling and agro-processing to enhance quality.
In a statement, MAAIF emphasised that the partnership aims to “redefine how the world experiences Ugandan coffee,” ensuring farmers benefit from better market access and global visibility. Cotti Coffee executives praised Uganda as a reliable partner renowned for quality beans, ethical sourcing, and ideal growing conditions.
Uganda’s coffee exports to China have already surged by 190% in 2025, with beverages made from Ugandan beans trending across Chinese cafés and social media platforms. As China’s coffee market is expected to exceed US$45bn by 2030, this collaboration offers Uganda a powerful gateway into one of the world’s fastest-growing coffee economies.
Uganda was represented at CIIE by 28 exporters from the coffee and wider agricultural sectors. The government continues to invest heavily in coffee production through seedling distribution, farmer training programmes, irrigation expansion, research, and global branding.
Under the new partnership, Uganda’s identity will feature prominently in Cotti Coffee advertising across major Asian cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore. This visibility is expected to drive export earnings, create new employment opportunities, and strengthen ties between Uganda’s rural farming communities and millions of coffee lovers across Asia.
GEA’s new water-saving solution is a game-changer for dairy farmers looking to reduce their environmental footprint and operational costs.(Image credit: GEA)
GEA has introduced an innovative water-saving solution for its DairyRotor T8600 and T8900 milking systems, designed to reduce freshwater consumption by up to 30% while maintaining high standards of cleaning performance and hygiene.
This new feature is part of GEA’s commitment to sustainability and can be applied to both new installations and retrofitted to existing systems, helping farms of all sizes improve their resource efficiency.
Efficient Water Use with Recycled Post-Rinse Water
The core of this advanced water-saving solution lies in the reuse of post-rinse water for the subsequent pre-rinsing process. By integrating this function, GEA has developed a system that not only cuts down on freshwater use but also ensures that the milking equipment continues to be thoroughly cleaned. The system includes the installation of an additional collection tank that stores the post-rinse water, which can then be fed back into the pre-rinsing cycle.
GEA offers two versions of this solution to suit different farm setups:
Pump Solution: A pump actively transfers water into the rinse tank, ensuring efficient circulation of reused water.
Gravity Solution: A space-saving, passive system that uses an elevated container to collect and reuse water, without the need for moving components.
Both solutions are supported by advanced valve and pipe technologies, ensuring that water is directed into the reuse cycle safely and effectively. It’s important to note that only fresh water, free from cleaning agents or disinfectants, is suitable for reuse.
Sustainable Milking with TÜV Validation
As part of GEA's "Add Better" portfolio, this new feature is TÜV Rheinland-validated, ensuring it meets high standards of sustainability and resource conservation. TÜV is a leading global provider of independent testing and certification, adding credibility to the water-saving benefits of this system.
Ideal for a Wide Range of Farms
This water-saving solution is suitable for farms of all sizes, particularly those in areas where water is either scarce or expensive, or where stringent legal requirements for resource conservation are in place. Farms facing economic pressures can also benefit from the reduced operating costs, all without compromising cleaning quality.
Additionally, GEA offers the flexibility of retrofitting the system to existing group parlours and DairyRotors, such as the washer Sinetherm, Compass Plus, and RCU-Washer of the DairyRotor T8900 with Dematron control. For both new and existing systems, an optional heating element is available to provide an energy-efficient pre-rinse cycle with preheated water, further enhancing resource efficiency.
Integration with GEA DigiTron for Seamless Farm Management
The new water-saving solution is fully compatible with the GEA DigiTron control unit, introduced earlier this year with the DairyRotor T8600. DigiTron offers precise control over the milking process at the animal level, providing easy operation, robust hardware, and straightforward maintenance. When connected to GEA's central DairyNet software platform, the system allows for comprehensive analysis of milking, cleaning, and maintenance processes across the farm. DigiTron is highly scalable, making it suitable for a wide range of farm sizes and automation levels.
GEA’s new water-saving solution is a game-changer for dairy farmers looking to reduce their environmental footprint and operational costs. By making the most of available resources and ensuring effective, consistent cleaning, it offers a sustainable and efficient way to improve dairy operations.
NECO’s innovative drying technology offers a more effective, consistent, and efficient way to dry grain. (Image credit: ABC Africa Group)
When it comes to drying grain, maintaining the right kernel temperature is crucial to ensuring the final product meets high-quality standards.
Overheating the grain during the drying process can lead to irreversible damage, affecting the overall quality. Studies have shown that even kernel temperatures as low as 60°C (140°F) can significantly harm the grain’s quality. This is why many buyers of grain, especially those dealing with specialty crops, insist that their suppliers use lower drying temperatures to prevent heat damage.
Traditional dryers often struggle to maintain uniform drying conditions. In these systems, while some grains are exposed to temperatures that do not exceed the critical threshold, many others are subjected to temperatures far beyond what is ideal. This inconsistency can result in significant quality issues, including heat damage, stress cracks, and a decrease in test weight. Unfortunately, lowering the drying temperature to avoid this damage comes at a cost: it negatively impacts the dryer’s efficiency and capacity.
However, NECO dryers address these challenges by offering a solution that delivers consistent and even drying throughout the grain batch. With their innovative design, NECO dryers ensure that each kernel receives the same level of exposure to the heated air, preventing overheating and preserving the grain’s integrity. This process results in higher-quality grain with fewer stress cracks, no heat damage, and better test weight, all while maintaining optimal drying efficiency.
The Science Behind Grain Drying
Grain is typically dried by passing heated air through it, allowing the air to flow around each kernel. Because the air starts with low humidity, it has a strong capacity to absorb moisture. As the air flows through the grain, it absorbs moisture from within the kernels, and the evaporative cooling effect reduces the temperature of the wetter kernels. This process helps ensure that the grain doesn't heat up too quickly, preventing potential damage.
However, as the grain becomes drier, less moisture evaporates, and the temperature of the kernels rises closer to the temperature of the heated air. In traditional dryers, especially crossflow dryers (often called screen dryers), this process leads to uneven drying. Grain in the centre of the drying column is exposed to heated air for an extended period, resulting in over-drying and overheating. Meanwhile, the grain on the outer edges of the column remains under-dried due to inadequate exposure to the hottest air. This inconsistency not only compromises grain quality but also reduces the efficiency and capacity of the drying system.
How NECO Mixed-Flow Dryers Offer a Better Solution
NECO's mixed-flow dryers tackle these issues head-on by constantly moving the grain past a series of unique hot air ducts. This ensures that every kernel is exposed to the hottest air at different points throughout the drying process, promoting even drying across the entire batch. The continuous movement of the grain, combined with the gentle mixing, helps prevent overheating and ensures that no kernels are exposed to excessive heat for too long.
Additionally, the design of the NECO dryer improves airflow through the grain, enhancing both drying efficiency and capacity. The even exposure to hot air ensures that all grain is dried uniformly, with none of it being over-dried or under-dried. As a result, kernel temperatures remain consistently low, preserving grain quality, reducing stress cracks, and eliminating heat damage. The outcome is a higher-quality product with improved test weight, making NECO dryers an ideal choice for farmers and grain processors who value both efficiency and superior grain quality.
NECO’s innovative drying technology offers a more effective, consistent, and efficient way to dry grain. With uniform exposure to heat, these dryers eliminate the risks associated with traditional systems, ensuring that every batch of grain meets the highest quality standards.
The project aims to digitally map shea trees across parklands, linking tree tenure data to women who harvest them.
Farmerline, in partnership with the Global Shea Alliance (GSA) and New Markets Lab (NML), has launched the Shea Tree Mapping Project to enhance land and tree rights for women in West Africa.
This initiative, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) through the Land Facility programme, will run from September 2025 to March 2026, covering Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
The project aims to digitally map shea trees across parklands, linking tree tenure data to women who harvest them. It will also conduct a legal and regulatory gap analysis, proposing frameworks that better recognise women’s land and tree rights. In addition, national workshops and a regional roundtable with ECOWAS will be held to align strategies for widespread implementation.
One of the project’s key outcomes will be the creation of an open-access Shea Tree Tenure Dashboard. This tool will provide policymakers, supply chain actors, and advocates with data-driven insights to strengthen decision-making and foster sustainable trade.
With shea supporting the livelihoods of 16 million women in 21 West African countries, securing their land and tree rights is vital for both economic resilience and climate adaptation. Aaron Adu, Managing Director of GSA, highlights that securing women's tenure rights is essential for the longevity of the shea industry, ensuring that women can continue to thrive in this critical sector.
Jeremy Swainson, Project Director at Tetra Tech, adds that this initiative will also contribute to climate-smart trade, creating a pathway for greater climate resilience in West Africa.
The New Africa: Education, Training, and Education for Agricultural and Agro-Mechanical Technicians. (Image credit: Agrilevante)
As Africa braces for a population boom set to reach 2.5bn by 2050, the continent faces a dual challenge: ensuring food security while preparing a skilled workforce to drive agricultural transformation.
At Agrilevante 2025 in Bari, Italy, this challenge was met head-on with the unveiling of a new international initiative focused on vocational education and technical training for African agricultural and agro-mechanical professionals.
The conference, titled “The New Africa: Education, Training, and Education for Agricultural and Agro-Mechanical Technicians,” marked the start of a collaborative programme driven by FederUnacoma, the Italian Federation of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, and Internationalia Publishing House. The programme aims to assess and address skill gaps across the African agri-sector, starting with Tanzania, Tunisia, and Ghana - three pilot countries prioritised in Italy’s Mattei Plan for African development partnerships.
A key takeaway from the event was the potential of education as a catalyst for agricultural innovation. As highlighted in the conference, Africa holds over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, and according to the African Development Bank, the continent’s agri-food market is expected to triple in value over the next five years from US$280bn to US$1tn.
“In a context like Africa’s, where education systems are characterised by numerous problematic elements and a sizeable school dropout rate,” said Gianfranco Belgrano, Director of Africa Affari and Internationalia, “training plays an essential role in meeting the demand for new skills in a constantly evolving market, especially in the agricultural and agro-mechanical sectors.”
The programme aims to go beyond traditional university-level exchanges and address the technical education gap, particularly in agricultural mechanics-a key area often overlooked in previous initiatives. The project will focus on technical and agricultural schools, helping to build a pipeline of trained technicians able to support the modernisation of local farming systems.
“There are great prospects for cooperation between Italian industries and African countries,” added Mariateresa Maschio, President of FederUnacoma. “From the design of technologically advanced agricultural machinery to the creation of high-precision irrigation systems, from supply chain implementation to capacity building, our companies possess excellent know-how that can meet the training needs of African agricultural economies.”
Belgrano reinforced the project’s initial focus: “We decided to launch the project with Tanzania, Tunisia, and Ghana because these are countries with a lot of agricultural area, which have structured school systems and can therefore already begin collaboration programmes with Italian companies.”
As Agrilevante showcases innovation in Mediterranean agri-tech, this new training initiative plants the seeds of long-term partnership, equipping Africa’s future farmers and technicians with the tools they need to succeed.
A Hub for global collaboration. (Image credit: VIV MEA)
AAE 2026 will serve as a hub for innovation. (Image credit: Africa Agri Expo)
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a serious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals.
The Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Board (RAB) has imposed an immediate suspension on the movement of livestock in Kanama, Nyakiliba, and Kanzenze sectors of Rubavu District after a confirmed outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
The precautionary move aims to protect farmers’ livelihoods and prevent the highly contagious disease from spreading to other regions.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, 21 October, all movement and trade involving cows, goats, sheep, and pigs are temporarily banned. The restrictions also extend to the sale and transportation of animal products such as meat, milk, and skins. These measures are part of a nationwide effort to safeguard Rwanda’s livestock sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s food security and rural economy.
"Farmers with sick animals, suspected or developing symptoms of the illness are requested to be separated from other herds and report to the veterinary officer at the sector level,” the statement reads in part.
To strengthen control efforts, RAB has ordered that all cattle aged six months and above across Rubavu District be vaccinated every six months. Animals suspected of coming into contact with infected livestock will also be separated and quarantined to curb transmission.
The institution further cautioned that anyone ignoring these prevention measures will face penalties as outlined in Rwanda’s law governing the control of contagious animal diseases.
Local authorities have been called upon to play an active role in enforcing these guidelines. They are urged to conduct regular disinfection campaigns and closely monitor farmers to ensure that no contact occurs between healthy and infected animals.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a serious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals and can lead to significant production losses through reduced milk yield, weight loss, and restricted trade opportunities. By acting quickly, the Rwandan government aims to minimise economic losses and maintain the health of livestock, which remains a backbone of many rural households.
RAB’s swift intervention highlights the importance of cooperation between farmers, veterinarians, and local leaders in protecting the nation’s agricultural sector.
The partnership was announced during the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance (SAFTA) Forum on November 4, 2025.
Its goal is to create bacteriocin-rich extracts from specially engineered lactic acid bacteria.
Uganda’s identity will feature prominently in Cotti Coffee advertising across major Asian cities.
Uganda’s coffee sector has recorded a significant milestone after local exporters clinched trade deals worth US$3mn during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
The event, held from 5–10 November, saw Uganda’s coffee take centre stage as four prominent exporters — Meg Rae Coffee, Kwezi Coffee, Inspire Africa, and Elgon Coffee — showcased both green and roasted varieties. Their participation was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), which coordinated the national pavilion under the theme “Agriculture–Tourism–Prosperity.”
Uganda’s stand quickly became one of the busiest in the agricultural hall, drawing interest from commercial buyers, roasters, retailers, and global logistics companies. Officials from MAAIF also held strategic engagements with Chinese traders and took part in discussions on digital innovation in the coffee value chain and import policies for developing economies.
A key highlight from the Expo was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Cotti Coffee, currently the world’s fastest-growing coffee retail chain with more than 7,500 shops across 28 countries. This partnership marks a transformative step for Uganda as it opens a direct link between Ugandan coffee farmers and one of Asia’s most dynamic consumer markets.
The MoU, signed between MAAIF and Cotti Supply Chain (Anhui) Ltd, focuses on promoting Uganda’s coffee brand throughout China and internationally. It includes provisions for joint marketing campaigns, farmer training initiatives, technology transfer, and investment in value addition particularly in post-harvest handling and agro-processing to enhance quality.
In a statement, MAAIF emphasised that the partnership aims to “redefine how the world experiences Ugandan coffee,” ensuring farmers benefit from better market access and global visibility. Cotti Coffee executives praised Uganda as a reliable partner renowned for quality beans, ethical sourcing, and ideal growing conditions.
Uganda’s coffee exports to China have already surged by 190% in 2025, with beverages made from Ugandan beans trending across Chinese cafés and social media platforms. As China’s coffee market is expected to exceed US$45bn by 2030, this collaboration offers Uganda a powerful gateway into one of the world’s fastest-growing coffee economies.
Uganda was represented at CIIE by 28 exporters from the coffee and wider agricultural sectors. The government continues to invest heavily in coffee production through seedling distribution, farmer training programmes, irrigation expansion, research, and global branding.
Under the new partnership, Uganda’s identity will feature prominently in Cotti Coffee advertising across major Asian cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore. This visibility is expected to drive export earnings, create new employment opportunities, and strengthen ties between Uganda’s rural farming communities and millions of coffee lovers across Asia.
Bananas remain central to the Roselands community, forming both a cultural identity and a core source of income.
Beekeeping protecting food security in South Africa.
Angonabeiro continues to support national farmers while promoting innovation, quality, and sustainability in the country’s coffee sector.
Twelve Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) producers from Amboim, in Angola’s Cuanza-Sul Province, recently received a payment of US$23mn thanks to sales of their coffee and a partnership with Portuguese coffee company Angonabeiro
The ceremonial handover, held in Luanda, was attended by the Portuguese Ambassador Francisco Duarte, Angonabeiro executives João and Rui Nabeiro, and Lucinda Mário de Castro Cunha, coordinator of the Amboim Women Farmers' Association.
Of the total amount, US$15mn were delivered immediately, with the remainder set to follow in a phased support process until December. The funds are earmarked for purchasing equipment to enhance coffee production, boosting productivity, sustainability, and autonomy among local women farmers. This partnership is designed to strengthen the coffee supply chain in Amboim while promoting innovation and long-term growth.
Rui Nabeiro highlighted Angola’s growing role in the company’s international revenue, now accounting for 15% of total earnings, with projections showing a 12% increase this year. Delta, part of the Nabeiro Group, is Angola’s largest buyer, processor, and exporter of green coffee, handling 1,200 tons last year and estimating around 1,000 tons this year. This trade directly supports 20,000 to 40,000 producing families per harvest, reflecting the sector’s vital socio-economic impact.
The initiative also aims to revitalize Angola’s green coffee supply chain by providing technical training, improving farming conditions, and mitigating logistical challenges, ensuring farmers continue producing high-quality coffee and maintain ownership of their land.
Portuguese Ambassador Francisco Duarte praised the strong Angola-Portugal economic relations, noting that over 5,000 Portuguese companies export to Angola, with Portugal being the country’s second-largest supplier after China. Many of these companies employ local staff, contribute taxes, and build human capital, creating thousands of jobs.
Lucinda Cunha of the Amboim Women Farmers’ Association emphasized the significance of the Angonabeiro partnership. Despite challenges such as vandalism and illegal purchasing of coffee, farmers managed to harvest up to 800,000 kilos, and the financial support will help maintain and expand coffee production, from cleaning plantations to preparing new planting sites.
Operating in Angola for almost 27 years, Angonabeiro continues to support national farmers while promoting innovation, quality, and sustainability in the country’s coffee sector.
GEA’s new water-saving solution is a game-changer for dairy farmers looking to reduce their environmental footprint and operational costs.(Image credit: GEA)
NECO’s innovative drying technology offers a more effective, consistent, and efficient way to dry grain. (Image credit: ABC Africa Group)
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Healthy soil is the starting point of every harvest. (Image credit: Husqvarna)
TThe liquid fertiliser system integrates seamlessly with most modern drills.(Image credit: Grange Machinery)
The new CCT is ideal for those looking to improve efficiency in the field.(Image credit: Grange Machinery)
Ascenso’s VF technology has been designed precisely with many challenges in mind.(Image credit: Ascenso Tyres)
The facility aims to transform locally produced red palm oil into refined vegetable oil.
Modern greenhouses will allow the continuous cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year.
LaserFly – For a Healthy Future.(Image credit: Pantec Biosolutions AG)
TopCut system is designed to be compatible with a variety of harvester types.(Image credit: Züern)