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Media Release
Coffee consumption in Liberia remains low, despite the country’s rich history in coffee production. Accessing local markets has long been a challenge for producers, leaving the industry underdeveloped and limiting opportunities for young entrepreneurs. To address this, the International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the Farmers Union Network of Liberia (FUNL), recently held a two-day training workshop aimed at encouraging local coffee consumption and strengthening the domestic coffee market.
Supported by the European Union, the initiative focused on training aspiring baristas, professionals skilled in preparing and serving coffee beverages in cafes, restaurants, and shops. Participants were selected based on their interest in starting coffee businesses within their communities and their commitment to supporting local farmers by providing reliable market access.
The training covered coffee preparation skills, technical expertise in using equipment, customer service, and a brief history of coffee in Liberia. By equipping baristas with these skills, the project aims to connect farmers more effectively with local markets, ultimately boosting incomes and creating employment opportunities for young people.
Hon. Josephine Francis, President of FUNL and facilitator of the workshop, highlighted Liberia’s coffee legacy and the challenges the sector has faced. “Liberia has a rich history with coffee, but the sub-sector was largely abandoned after the civil war. Today, thanks to the EU and partners, we are seeing a revival,” she said. Francis added that demo plots in producing counties now allow farmers to learn improved practices that they can replicate, and that some individuals have already received training in coffee roasting to enhance quality for local consumers.
The initiative is part of the EU ACP Business Friendly Coffee Project, a regional program funded by the European Union to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth in African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. Introduced in Liberia in 2021 through FUNL, a member of ACRAM supported by ITC, the project empowers coffee producers in Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Bomi, and Montserrado counties, helping revive the coffee sub-sector and strengthen local markets.
With ongoing training and continued support from the ITC, FUNL, and the European Union, the program aims not only to improve the quality of Liberian coffee through skills development in roasting, brewing, and customer service, but also to raise awareness and appreciation for locally produced coffee among consumers.
Through fostering stronger linkages between farmers, baristas, and local markets, the initiative seeks to increase domestic consumption, create income-generating opportunities for youth, and build a resilient and sustainable coffee industry that can compete both nationally and regionally while preserving Liberia’s coffee heritage.
