Almohanad Almarwai’s journey in the coffee industry began merely by chance but has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a passion for learning and exploration, Almarwai ventured into the coffee industry, ultimately becoming a renowned coffee visionary dedicated to advancing the industry through various ventures.
Almarwai’s story took shape following a devastating loss in one of his previous ventures. Seeking a fresh opportunity, he delved into the organic scene, importing organic products from around the world. Driven by his curiosity to understand the true essence of “organic,” he embarked on a journey of self-education. Almohanad, who had previously worked as a quality director in a prominent global construction company, was acquainted with an American colleague named Brown. Intrigued by Almarwai’s passion for farming and organic cultivation, Brown extended an invitation to explore the untapped potential in Uganda. Seizing the chance, Almarwai embarked on a journey that would forever change the course of Almarwai’s life.
After months of meticulous research and collaboration with governmental organizations, Almarwai identified and secured the ideal land for his aspirations. However, it was during a routine land survey that serendipity intervened. Among the foliage, Almarwai’s gaze fell upon a tree adorned with cherries. Overjoyed, he envisioned farming cherries, but to his surprise, the experts informed him that it was a coffee tree. Almarwai, who had not yet acquainted himself with the appearance of coffee trees, initially dismissed their words as a jest. However, his skepticism dissipated as he plucked a cherry from the tree and tasted it. In that transformative moment, Almarwai’s fascination with coffee was ignited, and he resolved to immerse himself fully in understanding the vast realm of this extraordinary plant. Eager to delve deeper, he dedicated six months to working at the Ugandan Coffee Development Authority. Realizing the need for structured knowledge and experience, he pursued internationally accredited courses in various countries, including the UK, Germany, and Turkey.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Almarwai founded three companies in the coffee industry: Coffee Lights Holding, the Arabian Coffee Institute, and AgriNexsus Ltd. Coffee Lights Holding is a leading coffee company specializing in coffee shop operations, consultation, barista training, and coffee import/export. AgriNexsus Ltd focuses on coffee farming, processing, and production, with operations based in Uganda. Notably, Almarwai is currently spearheading the establishment of a state-of-the-art factory in Uganda to meet both local and international demand.
What sets Almarwai apart from his peers in the coffee industry is his unwavering commitment to spreading awareness and making knowledge accessible to all. As the co-founder and CEO of the Arabian Coffee Institute, he leads a team of experts and researchers, diligently enlightening coffee professionals about every aspect of the coffee value chain. Since January 2022, the institute has provided internationally and locally accredited courses to coffee professionals throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Almarwai envisions revolutionizing the coffee industry in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, with plans to expand the institute to countries such as the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, and others in the coming years.
Almarwai’s credentials speak volumes about his expertise in the coffee industry. He holds the distinction of being one of the few licensed coffee graders in Saudi Arabia and one of the elite certified trainers in the Saudi Arabian coffee sector. Having mentored over 2,000 leaders in the industry and entrepreneurship, he has earned a reputation as a distinguished speaker and mentor, highly sought after by aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs. Additionally, Almarwai holds three master’s degrees from prestigious universities worldwide and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in coffee excellence from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
Almarwai’s impact on the coffee industry has been nothing short of remarkable. His unparalleled knowledge and expertise make him a valuable asset to the coffee community, leaving a lasting impression for generations to come.
Almarwai’s extraordinary journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of chance encounters and the pursuit of one’s true passion. It serves as a compelling reminder that embracing novel experiences and taking calculated risks can open doors to unforeseen opportunities and remarkable achievements. Almarwai’s love for learning and boundless curiosity unlocked his profound passion for coffee, enabling him to refine his expertise in the industry and emerge as a beacon of inspiration. His story continues to motivate others who may harbor reservations about pursuing their dreams, illuminating the fact that the most rewarding paths in life often manifest in the most unexpected ways.