Coffee from Zimbabwe

After decades of drought and economic difficulties, the coffee industry in Zimbabwe is recovering. The global coffee brand Nespresso has partnered with the international non-profit organization TechnoServe to help revitalize the industry and support and encourage coffee farmers in the eastern highlands of the country. Part of their Zimbabwe Renaissance Origins Program is the AAA Academy, which provides farmers with training in the best coffee agronomic practices and processing techniques. But what makes Zimbabwe coffee that special?

A brief history of Zimbabwe coffee

The 11 million farmers in Zimbabwe mainly focus on domestically consumed food crops and tobacco. Coffee only accounts for 0.086% of the country's exports. Agricultural productivity is low; farmers have limited access to the market and often face severe weather conditions. Since more than 70% of Zimbabweans still rely on agriculture, this poses a huge challenge to unemployment, poverty and a troubled economy. Zimbabwe was once notable for its prosperity: a tall flame lily (the country's national flower) thrived in the fields of Africa. In fact, by the 1990s, it had one of the most developed economies on the African continent and was known as the "agricultural granary" of Africa.

After decades of struggle, the coffee industry is optimistic about the future of the industry. In November 2017, President Emerson Mnangagwa welcomed investors in his inauguration speech. There were some signs of economic growth and foreign investment returning to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe coffee farmers have been waiting for this for nearly three years. But even with more investors and signs of economic recovery, the country’s upcoming elections will still create a sense of instability.

Zimbabwe’s coffee characteristics

The eastern highlands of Zimbabwe are very suitable for growing Arabica coffee. The area has good rainfall (over 800 mm/year), fertile soil, and cool temperatures at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet. The way they treat their coffee is amazing. A lot of people come to Zimbabwe because of the amazing coffee profile. 

Although some Zimbabwean coffee may not be as strong or full-bodied as premium Kenyan coffee, the quality of Zimbabwean coffee is very good and has continued to improve with the increase in exports to the United States in recent years. So there is no surprise they are in the top 10 countries that export coffee around the world. 

Most coffee in the country is grown on medium-sized farms. In addition, Zimbabwe offers a nice variation on the acidity theme of Kenyan and East African wines, albeit with slightly lower acidity. Zimbabwe was originally called Rhodesia. 

 

Zimbabwe coffee speciality

Chipinge (formerly Chipinga) is the main coffee growing area in the eastern highlands of southern Zimbabwe, located on the southeastern border of the country in Manicaland province near Mozambique. 

Most Zimbabwe coffee is grown here. Chipinge coffee is a good example of high-quality East African coffee, showing its vibrant and aromatic acidity, proving its excellent cups. Coffee in the Chipping region is highly regarded. 

On the African continent, its quality may only be surpassed by Kenyan coffee. For important tips on brewing the perfect Zimbabwean coffee, see the section on coffee brewing in the espresso guide. For instructions on making a great Zimbabwean espresso drink, see Espresso Drink Recipe and How to Make Latte and Cappuccino. You will love these useful tips on making the perfect espresso. As a high-quality gourmet coffee, Chipinge is second only to Kenyan coffee in East African coffee, and is similar in some respects.

Coffee consumption in Zimbabwe

According to Faostat data, total coffee consumption in Zimbabwe reached 2.00 kilotons in 2018. This is the same as the previous year.

Historically, total coffee consumption in Zimbabwe hit a record high of 5.99 kilotons in 2002, a record low. Compared with its main counterparts in Zimbabwe, total coffee consumption in Botswana reached 2.00 kilotons, Mozambique was 2.00 kilotons, 59.0 kilotons in 2018 in South Africa and 7.00 kt in Zambia.

In terms of total coffee consumption, Zimbabwe ranks 115th among the 133 countries/regions we follow, which is 6 places higher than the ranking 10 years ago.