Ntungamo: The hills of Ntungamo are buzzing—not just with the rich aroma of coffee beans, but with anticipation. On May 24th, 2025, Uganda will host one of the most ambitious cultural and economic events of the year: the Africa Coffee Marathon Concert.
Organized by the Inspire Africa Group, the event is more than a celebration—it is a powerful symbol of Africa’s rising potential to own its narrative, control its resources, and empower its youth. Coffee, long one of Uganda’s top exports, now becomes the centerpiece of a new movement that blends culture, commerce, and national pride.
Music, Movement, and Meaning Await
Slated to headline the concert is Ugandan music legend Bebe Cool, whose involvement brings star power and advocacy in equal measure. “I’m happy to be part of the coffee promotion process that we’re doing throughout for the good of the country,” Bebe Cool says ahead of the event. “I encourage every young person to take part or be part of it.”
His latest project, the #BreakTheChainsAlbum, will underscore the concert’s themes—freedom, empowerment, and transformation. As preparations ramp up, Bebe Cool is already rallying international talent. “I have a coffee barista in Dubai I spoke to—they told me he’s the best. That is Barista Timo. I need all the baristas in Dubai to come back, get them coffee to Uganda, and begin the message of coffee,” he adds.
Africa Coffee Marathon: A Movement in Motion
While the concert is still days away, the Africa Coffee Marathon is already a topic of discussion nationwide. It’s not just a fun run or a music festival—it’s a strategic event designed to drive Uganda’s coffee industry forward. Inspire Africa Group envisions turning Uganda’s current USD 1 billion coffee economy into a USD 5 billion powerhouse within five years.
“Inspire Africa Group is proud to introduce instant coffee production to Africa, starting in Ntungamo,” says Kigongo Asuman, Public Relations Officer for Inspire Africa Group. “We’re excited to pioneer this initiative and look forward to achieving even greater success. Uganda will soon reap the benefits of our efforts.”
Asuman also notes that Uganda now exports 15 containers of coffee per week, up from just five before Inspire Africa’s rise—a record number for Africa.
Empowering Black Excellence Through Coffee
The marathon and concert are driven by a bigger ideology. Nelson Tugume, a leading voice behind the Africa Coffee Pack, states: “It stands for black people, black race, black generation to understand that they can do their own and determine their own destiny.” Tugume calls on Ugandans and Africans at large to shift from a “raw material mentality” and instead add value locally to claim their share of the $460 billion global coffee market.
“I’m excited to see baristas championing this cause. Keep going, keep doing what you’re doing. I believe by the day of the concert, we’ll crown the best Barista Minister Champion,” Tugume says.
Ntungamo Sets the Stage
Ntungamo, once known primarily for its lush hills and farmland, now prepares to become the beating heart of a continental movement. The Africa Coffee Marathon Concert promises not just entertainment, but a platform for economic education, youth engagement, and industrial vision.
Inspire Africa Group also announces plans to employ over 3,000 permanent staff, develop strategic partnerships with Russia and Turkey, and scale the production of value-added coffee products.
As excitement builds for May 24th, Ntungamo readies itself not just to host a concert—but to launch a tradition, one that blends music, enterprise, and national pride in every cup.
