Fairtrade Africa on Wednesday celebrated its 20th anniversary with a landmark event in Nairobi, unveiling a bold three-year strategy (2026 -2028) to deepen its impact on farming communities across the continent.
Over the past two decades, the organisation has invested nearly €700 million (approximately Sh105.78 billion) in more than 780 projects across Africa, benefiting thousands of smallholder farmers, including tea, coffee, and flower growers in Kenya. These investments have funded schools, health facilities, and climate adaptation initiatives while also expanding women’s leadership in agriculture. Today, women hold more than 25 percent of leadership roles in Fairtrade cooperatives — three times the industry average.
“On behalf of Principal Secretary, State Department of Trade, Ms Regina Ombam, I wish to commend Fairtrade Africa for its enduring partnership with government and farmers from all sectors. In Kenya, our coffee growers in particular have felt the real impact of this collaboration — from fairer prices and better market access to improved community investments. This partnership has not only strengthened the coffee sector but also uplifted the livelihoods of thousands of farming families,” said Ms Elizabeth Miguda, Acting Director, State Department, Internal Trade.
“For two decades, Fairtrade Africa has walked alongside farmers and workers to ensure their voices are heard and their communities thrive. As we look to the next 20 years, our focus is clear: fairer prices, stronger communities, and sustainable trade that works for both people and planet,” said Fairtrade Africa Executive Director Isaac Tongola.
The new strategy is anchored on four key pillars: expanding market access, strengthening advocacy for fair trade policies, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting farmers as the backbone of the movement.
“We are committed to helping farmers achieve duty-free exportation of goods transported through Fairtrade Africa channels. The strategy also emphasizes capacity building, financial literacy, and adoption of advanced techniques to boost yields sustainably,” said Ms. Madline Muga, Fairtrade Africa’s Director of Strategy and Impact.
Kenya, one of Africa’s largest Fairtrade producers, has seen more than 130 local cooperatives benefit from guaranteed minimum prices and premium payments that cushion farmers from global price shocks. Many communities in tea and coffee-growing counties have invested their Fairtrade earnings in education bursaries, health services, and clean water projects.
“Fairtrade Africa has been a true partner to the floriculture industry in Kenya. Through fair prices, better standards, and reinvestment into communities, we have seen real change in the lives of workers and farmers. For the flower sector, this collaboration has not only opened up global markets but also strengthened our competitiveness while ensuring our growth is inclusive and sustainable,” said Mr Christopher Kulei, Board Chair of the Kenya Flower Council and Executive Director of Sian Roses Group.
Looking ahead, the new three-year strategy aims to scale up regenerative agriculture, equip 10,000 young farmers with digital climate tools, and promote “Made by Africa” brands under the Fairtrade framework to expand intra-African trade.
By Gladys Njoroge and Andrew Mwasaru
