The third edition of the Best of Congo Cooperatives quality program is set to offer international buyers access to 34 traceable arabica microlots from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The coffees originate from cooperatives located in the country's eastern North and South Kivu regions, areas known for producing specialty-grade coffee despite operational challenges.
Organized by African Coffee Connect and the CongoAgri Platform, the 2026 event places a stated emphasis on inclusion, with significant representation from women-led farmer groups. Each lot presented for auction will be supported by a detailed profile, including information on the farmers, plot locations, coffee varieties, and processing methods used. The program has also expanded for the first time to include a separate quality evaluation for specialty cacao.
The auction catalog includes lots processed using fully washed, natural, and anaerobic methods. According to the organizers, competition results will be announced on July 2, after which sample sets will be distributed to prospective buyers. The program will conclude with a live online auction hosted on the M-Cultivo platform, scheduled to take place in late August or early September.