Women at Heritage Kanaani Farms sorting and drying coffee
Women at Heritage Kanaani Farms sorting and drying coffee. Uganda is earning big from coffee/Business Focus photo
Uganda’s coffee industry has reached a historic milestone. In May 2025, Uganda emerged as Africa’s leading coffee exporter, delivering a record 47,606.7 tonnes and surpassing Ethiopia’s previous achievements. Latest figures reveal that Uganda sold 793,445 60 kg bags last month—a significant increase from 552,569 bags in May 2024—marking a remarkable 43.59% rise compared to the same period last year. The exports were valued at USD 243,948,952 for May alone, pushing the cumulative annual export value to over USD 2 billion.
Over the twelve months spanning June 2024 to May 2025, Uganda exported a total of 7.43 million 60 kg bags of coffee, generating USD 2.09 billion in revenue compared to 6.08 million bags in the previous period.
This is compared to Ethiopia’s 7 million bags recorded in the period under review.
Italy led as the top destination, accounting for 39% of exports, while Europe dominated with a 67% market share. Exports to African countries and Asia made up 18% and 13% respectively. In May 2025, Uganda’s volume exceeded Ethiopia’s 43,481.02 tonnes, signifying a decisive shift in the continent’s coffee trade dynamics.
The exceptional growth in Uganda’s coffee sector is largely attributed to enhanced quality standards and robust support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Through stringent quality controls, extensive farmer training programs, and improved access to high-quality inputs, Ugandan coffee has become highly prized in global markets for its superior quality and distinctive flavor profiles. These efforts not only reinforce Uganda’s competitive edge but also pave the way for the ambitious Coffee Roadmap target—to produce 20 million 60 kg bags by 2030 and generate annual revenues of USD 1.5 billion.
Uganda to showcase its coffee prowess at the World of Coffee event in Geneva
This week, Uganda is set to showcase its coffee prowess at the World of Coffee event in Geneva, Switzerland, from 26–28 June 2025 at Palexpo SA. As Europe’s premier international specialty coffee trade show, this year’s event will feature inspiring workshops, prestigious global competitions, and immersive experiences that bring together coffee professionals from around the world. In addition to hosting its own Pavilion (booth 2371) with daily cupping sessions at 11:00 am and a special Coffee Cupping event on 26 June at 2:30 pm in Cupping Room 2, Uganda is also participating in several expert panels.
Speaking about Uganda’s participation in the EXPO, the Minister of State for Agriculture in MAAIF, Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, asserted, “Uganda reaffirms its ambitious commitment to transform its export trajectory—from US$50 billion to US$500 billion—through strategic value addition. Coffee will be one of the primary drivers to achieve this export target. As highlighted in the May coffee report, Italy remains our primary consumer, while Switzerland stands as the epicenter of global coffee trade. Our delegation’s objectives are fully aligned with our national goals, and we are resolute in optimizing every engagement to ensure Uganda reaps enduring benefits on the world stage.”
Reflecting on the global significance of this endeavor, Uganda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Arthur Kafeero, remarked, “This week, as we unite in Switzerland, I am profoundly grateful for the collaborative spirit that has brought our team together. Observing that only 164 Swiss citizens—amidst a vibrant community of 8 million—travel to Uganda annually, reminds us of the untapped potential and the many bridges yet to be built between our nations. Standing in Geneva, not merely as a geographic point, but as the pulsating heart of green coffee trade—with over 50% of such commerce transacted here—underscores the timeliness and transformative nature of our mission. In Geneva, we witness a fusion of centuries-old trade traditions and modern innovation, where cutting-edge digital transactions seamlessly connect diverse cultures. This city not only optimizes the economic value of coffee on a global scale but also exemplifies our capacity to bridge communities, crafting sustainable ties that honor our shared vision of mutual growth and enduring international dialogue.”
Leading the Ugandan exporters delegation is the President of the Uganda Coffee Federation, Robert Byaruhanga, who further noted, “At this expo, our exporters embody the spirit of Ugandan coffee—each bean a testament to our rich heritage and our resolute pursuit of excellence. The World of Coffee conference and expo is more than an event; it is a celebration of meaningful partnerships and international camaraderie that fortifies our shared journey. By harnessing cutting-edge marketing strategies and innovative branding, we are illuminating Uganda’s coffee on the world stage, transforming every interaction into a legacy of promise and progress.”
The convergence of breakthrough export performance, strategic innovation in quality enhancement, and dynamic engagement on the global stage underscores an exciting era for Uganda’s coffee sector. The continued commitment from government, industry stakeholders, and international partners promises not only sustainable growth for Ugandan coffee but also a vibrant future for the nation’s overall trade ambitions.
I enjoy coffee!