HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Coffee has become Uganda’s cash cow when it comes to the green buck. It has out lived other cash crops that used to mint money for Uganda, to turn into a treasure crop that supports millions of households, and contributes significantly to the economy.
In May, Uganda’s coffee industry reached a historic milestone when it emerged as Africa’s leading coffee exporter, delivering a record 47,606.7 tonnes and surpassing Ethiopia’s previous achievements.
Coffee exports reached a 30-year high in the 2023/24 fiscal year, earning Uganda US$1.14 billion. In May 2025, Uganda surpassed that achievement, delivering a record 47,606.7 tonnes of coffee.
According to the ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), this achievement is based on data obtained between June 2024 to May 2025, where Uganda exported 7.43 million 60 kg bags of coffee, generating $2.09 billion in revenue.
“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,” said the agriculture ministry, in a statement issued early this week.
It said that the exports were valued at $243,948,952 for May alone, pushing the cumulative annual export value to over $2 billion.
The ministry said that over the twelve months spanning June 2024 to May 2025, Uganda exported a total of 7.43 million 60 kg bags of coffee, generating $2.09b in revenue compared to 6.08 million bags in the previous period.
Italy leads bunch
“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,” it reads
Issued by Charlotte Kemigyisha, the ministry’s Public Relations Manager, the statement further says that in May 2025, Uganda’s volume exceeded Ethiopia’s 43,481.02 tonnes, signifying a decisive shift in the continent’s coffee trade dynamics.
She attributed the exceptional growth in Uganda’s coffee sector to enhanced quality standards and robust support from 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,” further says the statement.
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 Shs 1.5 billion.
Uganda to show case
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,” said Kafeero.
The top 10 coffee exporters in Uganda, based on market share, include Ugacof (U) Ltd, Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd, Kawacom (U) Ltd, Olam Uganda Ltd, and Touton Uganda Limited.
Other notable exporters are Ideal Quality Commodities Ltd, Export Trading Company (U) Ltd, Louis Dreyfus Company (U) Ltd, Ibero (U) Ltd, and Jber Coffee Ltd.
These companies play a significant role in Uganda’s coffee export industry, with some holding up to 10% of the market share.
