High Prices and Government Strategy Double Uganda’s Coffee Export Revenue
Kampala, July 28, 2025 (Qahwa World) — Uganda’s coffee export revenues have more than doubled over the past 12 months, driven by soaring global prices and the long-term results of a national coffee development program. According to the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Uganda has solidified its position as Africa’s largest coffee exporter, setting new records in both volume and earnings.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, Uganda exported 7.77 million 60-kg bags of coffee, representing a 27% increase compared to the previous year. During the same period, export revenues surged from $1.14 billion to $2.22 billion.
Recent months have shown especially strong performance. In January 2025, the country earned $156.5 million from coffee exports — an 83% increase year-on-year. February saw shipments of more than 555,000 bags, generating $167.7 million, while May exports reached 793,000 bags, with income totaling $244 million, reflecting a 92% jump compared to May 2024.
The most impressive milestone came in June 2025, when Uganda exported 1.01 million bags, earning $289.6 million — the highest monthly revenue in the nation’s coffee trade history.
“High global prices have encouraged farmers to increase their production and expand coffee cultivation areas,” said Martin Maraka, Executive Director of the Uganda Coffee Federation. “This growth trend is now irreversible — we’re just getting started.”
Long-Term Investment Paying Off
The current momentum is the result of a national program launched more than a decade ago, aimed at scaling up coffee production to 20 million bags annually. As part of this initiative, the government distributed free coffee seedlings to farmers, invested in soil improvement and the rehabilitation of aging trees, and provided training in modern agricultural practices.
Uganda primarily grows Robusta, a variety known for its high yields and climate resilience. With domestic consumption at around 330,000 bags per year, the vast majority of Uganda’s coffee is exported, especially to markets in Europe and Asia.
Global Market Trends Favor Uganda
Uganda’s rise comes at a time when traditional coffee giants like Brazil and Vietnam are grappling with drought and climate disruptions that have slashed their output. This supply gap has driven up global prices and created space for emerging suppliers — and Uganda has stepped up.
With sustained demand and continued government support, experts believe Uganda is on track to meet its export target of 9 million bags during the current marketing season. Maintaining this trajectory will depend on further investment in processing capacity, export infrastructure, quality control, and climate resilience.
For now, Uganda’s coffee sector stands as a leading example of how long-term vision and favorable market conditions can transform an agricultural economy.
