Zimbabwe’s coffee sector is set for a major resurgence with the launch of the Zimbabwe Barista Throwdown (ZBT) 2025, a nationwide competition aimed at showcasing local barista talent and revitalizing the country’s specialty coffee industry.
Organized by Changamiri Coffee Company in partnership with United Arab Emirates-based Artisan Empire and the Living Coffee Foundation, the competition will span six months, culminating in the inaugural Zimbabwe Coffee Festival on September 4-5, 2025, at the Changamiri Coffee Resort in Vumba.
The initiative signals a renewed push to restore Zimbabwe’s reputation as a producer of premium Arabica coffee. Once celebrated for its high-quality beans, the country’s coffee industry faced setbacks due to climate change and declining production. However, with global coffee consumption projected to grow by 4.22% annually between 2024 and 2028, Zimbabwe is positioning itself to reclaim its place in the specialty coffee market.
Changamiri Coffee Company CEO, Hillary Chindodo, highlighted that ZBT 2025 is about more than just competition.
“The Zimbabwe Barista Throwdown is a movement to celebrate the unique flavors, craftsmanship, and innovation in our coffee industry,” he said. “Zimbabwean coffee has a rich story to tell, and this platform allows us to share it with the world.”
The competition aims to elevate the profile of Zimbabwean coffee, develop a skilled workforce, promote sustainability, and attract investment into the sector. It will kick off in April 2025 with a national roadshow, featuring regional throwdowns in Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Kwekwe, Harare, Marondera, and Vumba. The top baristas from each region will compete in the national finals during the Zimbabwe Coffee Festival.
Beyond the competition, the two-day festival will present major investment opportunities. It will bring together industry professionals, investors, and coffee enthusiasts for masterclasses, networking sessions, and live coffee tastings.
“We are building an ecosystem that enables Zimbabwean coffee to compete globally,” Chindodo noted. “This is the moment for investors, coffee chains, and hospitality brands to pay attention.”
With Zimbabwe’s coffee exports beginning to recover, the event is expected to attract international buyers, creating partnerships between local farmers, roasters, and global coffee brands.
“Coffee is not just a drink; it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry. Zimbabwe has the potential to become a major player in Africa’s specialty coffee sector,” Chindodo added.
The initiative marks a turning point for the country’s coffee industry, fueling investment, boosting exports, and strengthening Zimbabwe’s presence in the global coffee market.
