ZIMBABWE’S coffee industry is poised for a major revival with the launch of the Zimbabwe Barista Throwdown (ZBT), a nationwide competition aimed at showcasing top barista talent while repositioning Zimbabwean coffee as a premium global product.
The competition, organized by Changamiri Coffee Company, Artisan Empire a UAE based company, and the Living Coffee Foundation, will span six months, culminating in the inaugural Zimbabwe Coffee Festival from September 4-5, 2025, at the Changamiri Coffee Resort in Vumba.
The event marks a strategic effort to revitalise Zimbabwe’s once-thriving coffee sector. While the country was previously recognised for producing high-quality Arabica beans, climate change however impacted production over the years. Now, with global coffee consumption expected to grow at an annual rate of 4,22 percent between 2024 and 2028, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a key player in the specialty coffee market.
According to Hillary Chindodo, the chief executive officer of Changamiri Coffee Company, the initiative is more than just a competition.
“Zimbabwe’s coffee industry has a story worth sharing. The Barista Throwdown is not just about competition, it is a movement to celebrate the people, flavours, and innovations that make Zimbabwean coffee unique,” he said.
The ZBT 2025 aims to enhance market recognition for Zimbabwean coffee, build a skilled workforce through training and exposure, promote sustainability in production, and drive tourism and investment into the sector.
The competition will begin with a provincial roadshow in April and May 2025, featuring regional throwdowns in Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Kwekwe, Harare, Marondera, and Vumba.
The top baristas from each region will advance to the National Finals, scheduled to take place during the Zimbabwe Coffee Festival.
Beyond the competition, the festival presents significant investment opportunities. The two-day event will bring together industry professionals, investors, and coffee enthusiasts for masterclasses, business networking sessions, and live coffee tastings.
“We are creating an ecosystem where Zimbabwean coffee can compete on the world stage,” Mr Chindodo emphasised.
“This is the time for investors, coffee chains, and hospitality brands to take notice.”
With Zimbabwe’s coffee exports showing signs of recovery, the event is expected to attract renewed interest from global buyers. The festival will serve as a platform for partnerships between local farmers, roasters, international coffee brands, and financial backers looking to invest in Zimbabwe’s coffee supply chain.
“Coffee is not just a beverage it is a billion-dollar industry. Zimbabwe has the potential to be a major player in Africa’s specialty coffee market,” Mr Chindodo added.
As the Zimbabwe Barista Throwdown and Coffee Festival gain momentum, the initiative could serve as a turning point for the nation’s coffee economy, driving investment, boosting exports, and strengthening Zimbabwe’s position in the global coffee industry.
