Coffee education takes centre stage as global leaders call for investment in sector’s future
The call was made during a high-level panel discussion held at the World of Coffee Brussels 2026, where participants explored how education, international partnerships and workforce development can strengthen coffee-producing countries, particularly in Africa
BRUSSELS, July 16, 2026 — Global coffee industry leaders, educators and international development partners have called for greater investment in education and skills development, describing knowledge as the most sustainable investment for securing the future of the global coffee sector.
The call was made during a high-level panel discussion held at the World of Coffee Brussels 2026, where participants explored how education, international partnerships and workforce development can strengthen coffee-producing countries, particularly in Africa.
The event, organised by the Fondazione Ernesto Illy ETS, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization [UNIDO], the Specialty Coffee Association [SCA] and the International Coffee Organization [ICO], marked the 15th anniversary of the Master in Coffee Economics and Science – Ernesto Illy. It also witnessed the launch of the Ernesto Illy Master Alumni Community, a global professional network aimed at connecting graduates and promoting continued knowledge sharing across the coffee value chain.
Moderated by Gerardo Patacconi, Strategy Advisor and Director of the Ernesto Illy Master in Coffee Economics and Science, the event featured two panel discussions focusing on the role of education in building a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive coffee industry.
The first panel reflected on the evolution of the Master’s programme, the only international first-level Master’s degree in Coffee Economics and Science taught in English. The session brought together founding faculty members, industry experts and alumni from Costa Rica and Ethiopia to discuss how the programme has shaped professionals working across the global coffee industry.
Speaking during the session, Anna Illy, Chair of Fondazione Ernesto Illy ETS, said the programme was established to recognise coffee not only as a commodity but also as a multidisciplinary field combining science, economics, culture and sustainability.
She noted that after 15 editions, the programme has grown into a global community of about 300 professionals, with the newly launched Alumni Community expected to strengthen collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange among graduates worldwide.
The second panel focused on strengthening human capital in coffee-producing countries through collaboration between governments, international organisations and the private sector.
Discussions highlighted the role of UNIDO’s ACT Coffee Programme Coffee Training Centres [CTCs], the SCA’s international education and certification systems, and Ethiopia’s experience in developing technical skills through its Coffee Training Centre in Addis Ababa.
Participants agreed that sustainable transformation of the coffee sector depends on creating an enabling environment that supports skills development through strong institutions, accessible training opportunities and internationally recognised certification systems.
They noted that Coffee Training Centres are equipping local professionals with technical expertise while increasing opportunities for value addition within producing countries.
International Coffee Organization Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira said education, innovation and technology transfer remain critical to building a resilient and prosperous global coffee sector.
She commended the Fondazione Ernesto Illy ETS for translating this vision into practice through its Master’s programme and related initiatives over the past 15 years.
UNIDO Director for Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development Providence Mavubi said education is fundamental to building an inclusive and resilient coffee industry.
She said UNIDO’s ACT Coffee Programme demonstrates that investing in people’s skills strengthens the entire coffee value chain while creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority Director General Dr Adugna Debela said Ethiopia’s Coffee Training Centre has shown how combining local expertise with internationally recognised standards enables producers and coffee professionals to become leaders in the industry.
Specialty Coffee Association Chief Executive Officer Yannis Apostolopoulos said expanding access to internationally recognised education and certification is essential to creating a more equitable coffee sector.
He added that empowering local professionals ultimately benefits the entire global coffee value chain.
The discussions concluded with participants reaffirming that partnerships among governments, development agencies, educational institutions and the private sector are essential to expanding skills development, increasing local value addition and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the global coffee industry.
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