Strengthening innovation, entrepreneurship and value creation across Kenya’s coffee sector. Starting July 2026.
10+ global partners delivering world-class training
“One of the ACT Coffee Programme’s key initiatives to strengthen human capital across the coffee value chain in East Africa.”
About the Programme
The Executive Programme in Coffee Innovation and Business is a landmark initiative under the ACT Coffee Programme (Advancing Climate-Resilience and Transformation in African Coffee). Designed for Kenya's leading coffee entrepreneurs and cooperative leaders, it delivers world-class business education anchored in the realities of the African coffee sector.
Participants gain expert knowledge across the full value chain — from climate-resilient production to international market positioning — supported by a distinguished faculty of global coffee industry leaders and development specialists.
Initiative of
A landmark collaboration uniting leading international development organisations, renowned coffee companies, and Kenya’s foremost academic and research institutions.
8
Months
156h
Training
3
Modules
Initiative of
Our Partners
Eligibility
The programme is designed for established coffee sector professionals and entrepreneurs based in Kenya who are ready to take their business to the next level.
Kenya Coffee Value Chain
Ventures must be based and actively operating in Kenya, serving local and regional coffee markets.
Applicants must operate within the coffee sector — production, processing, trading, roasting, or retail.
Minimum 3 years of professional experience in the coffee value chain as an entrepreneur or manager.
Women- and youth-led ventures are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration.
Demonstrated commitment to social equity, farmer welfare, and environmental sustainability practices.
Demonstrated proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required for programme participation.
Applications from women- and youth-led ventures are particularly encouraged.
Curriculum
Three interconnected modules covering the full coffee value chain — from farm to market.
Module 1 · UpstreamExplore farm-level and post-harvest innovations, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and processing techniques that enhance quality across the upstream value chain. Participants engage with leading agronomists, farmers, and researchers driving transformation in East African coffee.
Module 2 · DownstreamMaster market access strategies, brand positioning, export readiness, and specialty coffee marketing. Learn from industry leaders how Kenyan coffee can capture premium international markets and build lasting commercial relationships.
Module 3 · Project WorkDevelop a comprehensive, practical growth project for your own coffee venture. Receive personalised mentoring from sector experts, then present your business case to a distinguished expert jury for feedback and recognition.
Duration
8 months
Venue
Nairobi, Kenya + Online
Format
In-person · Online · Tutoring
Start Date
July 2026
Programme Value
Five high-impact outcomes that separate ACT Coffee Programme graduates from the rest of the field.
Receive a certificate co-signed by UNIDO, E4Impact, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore — recognised by global coffee industry leaders.
Sharpen your competitive edge through expert-led cohort sessions, personalised tutoring, and peer learning with Kenya's top coffee entrepreneurs.
Build mastery across the full coffee value chain — from farm-level production and processing through to international marketing and distribution.
Design and present a real growth project for your venture, receiving structured feedback from an expert jury and actionable recommendations.
Join a network spanning UNIDO, illycaffè, Lavazza, Slow Food, and leading Kenyan institutions — opening doors to partnerships and markets worldwide.
East Africa Coffee Innovation Summit
Join a network of East Africa’s most influential coffee leaders
Programme Fees
Thanks to the support of UNIDO, the Italian Cooperation, and our partner organisations, the full programme fee is just $300 — a fraction of its real cost. This is paid in three equal instalments of $100, each due at the start of a programme bootcamp.
Total Fee
$300
Instalments
3 × $100
Total Programme Fee
$300
Paid in 3 instalments of $100 — one per bootcamp.
Bootcamp 1
$100
Bootcamp 2
$100
Bootcamp 3
$100
Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. The $300 fee covers all tuition, materials, and faculty access.
Programme Venue
Sessions are held at the Coffee Research Institute (CRI) — Kenya's foremost authority on coffee science — combining immersive in-person learning in the heart of Kenya's coffee country with flexible online collaboration.
156 hours of structured learning
Coffee Research Institute (CRI)
Ruiru, Nairobi County, Kenya
Kenya's national centre for coffee research and innovation
News & Updates
Stay up to date with training activities, events, and programme milestones. Photos and updates from cohort sessions, Italian partner visits, and field activities will be shared here as the programme progresses.
Programme LaunchJuly 2026
The Executive Programme in Coffee Innovation and Business marks a landmark milestone for Kenya's coffee sector, bringing together world-class faculty and leading entrepreneurs.
Bootcamp 1Coming 2026
Participants immerse themselves in farm-level innovations, climate-resilient agronomy, and advanced post-harvest processing techniques led by specialist faculty.
Partner VisitComing 2026
Faculty from Fondazione Lavazza, illycaffè, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore travel to Nairobi to lead intensive in-person sessions with the cohort.
Field ActivityComing 2026
Participants experience Kenya's premier coffee research station firsthand, exploring experimental varieties and speaking with lead agronomists on the ground.
Real photos and updates from training sessions and events will replace these placeholders as the programme progresses.
Applications Open · July 2026 Cohort
Join an elite cohort of Kenya’s leading coffee professionals, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs. Build the expertise, network, and strategy to drive lasting change.
For enquiries: coffee@e4impact.org
