Economic growth in Côte d’Ivoire is driving a transformation in its coffee sector, moving from low-quality instant coffee to a burgeoning specialty coffee culture. With an average GDP growth of 7% from 2012 to 2023, there is increasing interest in higher-quality coffee among Ivorians, particularly in the capital city, Abidjan. This shift is supported by a growing number of specialty coffee shops and roasters, which are introducing new brewing methods and quality standards. Companies like Café Continent are pioneering this movement by promoting locally-sourced specialty coffee and investing in robusta quality, a coffee type often seen as lower value.
• Côte d’Ivoire has historically been a major coffee producer, but domestic consumption has lagged behind.
• Specialty coffee shops are emerging, challenging the dominance of instant coffee.
• Vertical integration is key to retaining value within the local coffee sector.
• The government aims to quadruple annual coffee output, enhancing international competitiveness.
This shift matters because it not only improves local coffee quality but also creates jobs and supports economic growth. By fostering a domestic market for specialty coffee, Côte d’Ivoire can retain more value from its coffee production and build a sustainable industry that benefits local communities.
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