Coffee Guinea

In 2020, CBI started the Coffee Guinea project. Despite notable results and lessons learnt, we had to terminate this project in February 2025. An in-depth project evaluation led to this decision. 

The Guinea project aimed to make the coffee sector more sustainable, by connecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the European and regional coffee markets.

Coffee Guinea project challenges

Online activities during the COVID-19 pandemic were less effective. Participation from private companies was limited. We also faced persistent difficulties in advancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Even though we worked with the export promotion agency AGUIPEX and the trade association IFCCAO to support sustainability, it was difficult to achieve results. There were structural barriers to achieving corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

In 2024, we started a pilot initiative to support SMEs and farmers in exporting traceable coffee under the Geographical Indication (GI) framework. This will ensure they comply with European quality and traceability standards. Only 1 exporter, PAG, took part, leading to low overall engagement.

Project results

The project's main focus was on SMEs' market entry and sector development. It has achieved some positive results and key learnings. 

1. During the early project phases, participating companies received training on market access and compliance with EU regulations;
2. As part of their market entry strategy, an SME delegation attended the World of Coffee trade fair. This event is one of Europe's leading coffee industry events. It provided an ideal platform to showcase Guinean coffee to European buyers, processors and distributors. Importers expressed interest in sourcing it, confirming the market potential for high-quality Robusta from Guinea;
3. AGUIPEX showed they were willing to collaborate on export promotion. Such a collaboration is crucial for creating an enabling environment for Guinean coffee exports to grow. However, later changes in AGUIPEX management made it challenging to continue the collaboration;
4. The project also found gaps in the implementation of the GI framework, suggesting ways to improve market integration of Guinean coffee. A strong GI structure for traceability compliance is essential for international recognition. These insights will also help future improvements in Guinea's coffee sector.

Contact companies from this project

Are you a European importer interested in Premium Robusta from Guinean companies? Contact CBI for more information or to meet with the suppliers in this project.