Phyllis Johnson, BD Imports founder and President speaks at the International Women's Coffee Alliance breakfast held during the African Fine Coffees Association Conference, Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia in February 6, 2026. In 2009 she led the formation of the chapters in east Africa and back to share insights.
In the vibrant heart of Ethiopia, the 22nd Annual African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) Conference served as a powerful backdrop for the evolution of the industry. Amidst the aromatic bustle of Addis Ababa, a pivotal moment unfolded during the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) breakfast, where a distinguished panel gathered to address the theme: Shaping Women’s Leadership for the Next Generation of Coffee.
A Legacy of Leadership
The discussion was anchored by a speaker who had been instrumental in the very architecture of the movement, having led the foundation of numerous IWCA chapters across East Africa. For her, the session was less of a formal presentation and more of a homecoming—a chance to witness the tangible progression of the seeds planted years prior.
The panel featured a powerhouse of industry influence, including:
- Phyllis Johnson: President of BD Imports and Founder of the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity
- Gilbert Gatali: CEO of the African Fine Coffees Association
- Mbula Musau: Representing Utake Coffee and the IWCA Global Board
- Beamlak Melesse Bekele: AFCA Consultant and President of Ethiopia Women in Coffee
- Teopista Nakkungu: IWCA Global in charge of Africa and Middle East – Served as moderator
- From Mentorship to “Scholarship”While the dialogue celebrated past successes, the focus remained fixed on the horizon. The panelists challenged the audience to move beyond traditional networking. A recurring theme was the transition from mentorship to what the group termed “scholarship.” The consensus was clear: guidance alone is no longer enough to bridge the systemic gaps in the coffee supply chain. To truly shape the next generation, established leaders must:
- Provide Financial Scaffolding: Moving beyond advice to offer direct financial support and resources for emerging women entrepreneurs.
- Institutionalize Opportunity: Creating formal pathways that allow young women to access the same global stages their predecessors fought to build.
- Ensure Radical Inclusion: Leveraging the influence of organizations like the IWCA to ensure that leadership reflects the diversity of the hands that pick, roast, and trade the beans.