Tanzania coffee farmers earn over US$10.98M as Kagera coffee auctions deliver strong prices
Strong domestic and international demand has driven higher coffee auction prices, boosting earnings for coffee farmers in Tanzania’s leading Robusta-producing region.
TANZANIA – Coffee farmers in Tanzania’s Kagera Region have earned more than TZS29 billion (US$10.98M) through Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) auctions held between July 9 and July 16, supported by strong demand and favourable coffee prices in local and international markets.
According to TCB Director General Primus Kimaryo, the first auction on July 9 recorded sales of 3.75 million kilogrammes of cherry coffee worth TZS17.04 billion (US$6.45M), with the highest price reaching TZS5,310 (US$2.01) per kilogramme.
On the same day, farmers also sold 81,482 kilogrammes of clean coffee valued at TZS862.6 million (US$326.74K). The highest price for clean coffee reached TZS11,010 (US$4.17) per kilogramme.
During the second auction held on July 16, another 2.48 million kilogrammes of cherry coffee were sold for TZS11.62 billion (US$4.4M). In addition, 48,315 kilogrammes of clean coffee changed hands for TZS465.1 million (US$176.17K), with the highest price recorded at TZS10,005 per kilogramme.
Among the best-performing cooperative societies, Rwele AMCOS in Kyerwa District sold 113,500 kilogrammes of Robusta coffee at TZS4,600 per kilogramme, while Ngara Farmers’ AMCOS marketed 61,827 kilogrammes of certified Arabica coffee at an average price of TZS5,505 per kilogramme.
Kimaryo reminded coffee buyers to collect their purchases promptly, saying, “Buyers should collect purchased coffee within 72 hours,” warning that a warehouse storage charge of TZS5 per kilogramme would apply after the deadline.
TCB Board Chairperson Prof Aurelia Kamuzora reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring coffee farmers continue benefiting from competitive market prices. She attributed the improved farmer earnings to favourable international coffee prices and government reforms aimed at strengthening cooperative unions.
Prof Kamuzora also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for supporting the cooperative movement and encouraged growers to adopt improved Robusta clonal varieties. She noted that the disease-resistant seedlings can produce up to two kilogrammes of coffee per tree, significantly improving productivity and farm incomes.
Kagera accounts for approximately 50% of Tanzania’s Robusta coffee production, with government reforms requiring coffee to be marketed through Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) to protect farmers from exploitative middlemen.
The positive auction results come as Tanzania’s coffee sector is forecast to record another strong harvest during the 2026/27 season.
According to a United States Department of Agriculture report released in May, the country is expected to produce 1.6 million bags of coffee, equivalent to approximately 96,000 tonnes.
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