New York – A high-level dialogue convened at the United Nations on March 11, 2026, underscored a growing international commitment to bolstering the role of women and youth in Africa’s coffee sector. The event, held on the sidelines of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations, brought together policymakers, development partners, and private investors to explore pathways toward more sustainable and inclusive coffee value chains. Discussions centered on the critical, yet often under-recognized, contributions of women and young people across all stages of coffee production, from cultivation and processing to trade and entrepreneurship.
While women and youth represent the backbone of the coffee industry in many African nations, systemic barriers continue to impede their full participation and economic empowerment. These challenges range from limited access to land ownership and financial resources to societal norms that restrict their leadership roles and decision-making power. The event served as a platform to identify concrete policy and institutional reforms needed to address these inequalities and unlock the full potential of these key demographics. The focus on sustainable and inclusive practices reflects a broader recognition that equitable participation is not only a matter of social justice but likewise a crucial driver of long-term economic growth and resilience within the coffee industry.
The Ugandan delegation, led by Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, played a prominent role in the discussions. Other representatives included Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency; Hon. Sarah Opendi; Hajjati Zaminah Malole, Secretary of the Presidential Awards Committee; Ms. Celia Nabeta, Minister Counsellor; Ms. Catherine Nassuna, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Water and Environment; and Ms. Angella Nakafeero, Commissioner at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. The presence of such a high-level delegation signals Uganda’s commitment to prioritizing gender equality and youth empowerment within its vital coffee sector. Coffee remains one of Uganda’s leading export commodities, contributing significantly to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings and supporting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.
Addressing Systemic Barriers to Participation
The event highlighted a range of persistent structural barriers that limit the economic potential of women and youth in the coffee value chain. Access to finance remains a significant hurdle, with women and young entrepreneurs often facing discrimination in lending practices and lacking the collateral required to secure loans. Land ownership rights are also frequently unequal, particularly for women, hindering their ability to invest in their farms and benefit fully from their labor. Deeply ingrained social norms can restrict women’s mobility, limit their access to education and training, and discourage their participation in leadership positions. These challenges are compounded by the impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect women farmers who are heavily engaged in production and post-harvest processes, as highlighted by representatives from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Participants underscored the importance of strengthening gender-responsive laws and policies in both the agricultural and trade sectors. Specifically, reforms relating to land ownership and access to productive resources were identified as critical. Expanding access to climate-smart technologies, financial tools, and targeted skills development programs was also deemed essential for building resilience across coffee-producing communities. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) data presented at the event revealed that the average age of a farmer in Africa is approximately 54 years, signaling an urgent need to attract younger generations to agriculture. Investments in youth entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and agricultural skills development were emphasized as key drivers of sector renewal.
The Role of International Partnerships
The event fostered a collaborative environment, bringing together representatives from international organizations, including UN Women, as well as partner governments from Kenya, Ethiopia, Italy, Austria, and Spain. UN Women’s Uganda Strategic Note 2022–2025, which aims to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across the country, including in refugee settlements, provides a framework for addressing socioeconomic challenges and building resilience. The UN Women program prioritizes women’s economic empowerment, leadership in governance, ending violence against women and girls, and improving access to social services. These partnerships are crucial for mobilizing resources, sharing best practices, and coordinating efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive coffee value chains.
Panelists shared perspectives on the policy, social, and economic reforms needed to strengthen women’s leadership and youth participation within agricultural value chains. The discussion emphasized the importance of data-driven policymaking, highlighting the need for improved data systems that capture and make visible the contributions of women across the coffee value chain. Such data would enable more evidence-based investment decisions and allow for more effective monitoring of progress toward gender equality goals. The event also underscored the growing urgency of addressing the intersection between gender equality, climate change, and agricultural sustainability, recognizing that these issues are inextricably linked.
Uganda’s Commitment and Future Steps
In her closing remarks, Rt. Hon. Nakadama reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to empowering women and youth within coffee value chains, emphasizing that What we have is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic pathway to sustainable economic transformation. She reflected on the global commitments outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, stressing the need for strengthened collaboration among governments, the coffee industry, development partners, and local communities to ensure that the coffee sector delivers inclusive growth and resilient livelihoods across Africa. Uganda’s Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) is actively working to boost the coffee sector through value addition and direct exportation, aiming to enhance the country’s export capacity and create opportunities for all stakeholders.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment among participants to advancing sustainable and inclusive coffee sectors that contribute to economic empowerment, gender equality, and resilient rural livelihoods across Africa. Moving forward, a key priority will be translating these commitments into concrete actions at the local level, through the implementation of gender-responsive policies and the provision of targeted support to women and youth entrepreneurs. Continued monitoring and evaluation will be essential to track progress and ensure that interventions are having the desired impact. The success of these efforts will depend on sustained collaboration, innovative financing mechanisms, and a unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry for all.
Key Takeaways
- Empowering Women and Youth is Crucial: Investing in women and youth within the coffee sector is not only a matter of social justice but also a key driver of economic growth and resilience.
- Systemic Barriers Must Be Addressed: Addressing inequalities in access to land, finance, and education is essential for unlocking the full potential of women and youth.
- Collaboration is Key: Effective partnerships between governments, international organizations, and the private sector are crucial for mobilizing resources and implementing sustainable solutions.
- Data-Driven Policymaking is Essential: Improved data systems are needed to track progress, inform investment decisions, and ensure accountability.
The next key checkpoint in this ongoing effort will be the review of national action plans by participating governments in September 2026, where progress towards implementing the commitments made at the UN event will be assessed. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences on this important topic in the comments section below. Please also share this article with your networks to raise awareness and promote dialogue on the critical role of women and youth in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for Africa’s coffee industry.