Uganda's Coffee Exports Hit Record High in 2025

Uganda's coffee sector has reached a historic milestone, with export earnings surpassing $1.2 billion in the 2024/25 financial year. The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) confirmed the figures at a press briefing in Kampala, attributing the surge to a combination of favourable global prices and improved yields across key growing regions.

The Rwenzori and Bugisu sub-regions, which together account for more than 60 per cent of the country's arabica output, reported bumper harvests following two consecutive seasons of adequate rainfall. Robusta production in the central and western districts also exceeded projections, with farm gate prices rising by nearly 30 per cent year-on-year.

"This is a transformative moment for Uganda's agricultural economy," said Dr Emmanuel Iyamulemye, UCDA's managing director. "We are now the continent's largest coffee exporter by volume, and our quality premiums are growing."

Industry analysts note that the global coffee market has tightened significantly, with drought-related supply disruptions in Brazil and Vietnam pushing international prices to multi-year highs. Ugandan exporters have capitalised on this gap, expanding shipments to European and Asian markets.

However, challenges remain. Smallholder farmers, who produce roughly 90 per cent of Uganda's coffee, continue to face high input costs and limited access to extension services. The government has pledged to invest $50 million in post-harvest infrastructure, including washing stations and drying facilities, to help farmers capture more value from the supply chain.

The coffee sector now accounts for approximately 20 per cent of Uganda's total export revenue, cementing its position as the country's most important cash crop ahead of fish, tea, and tobacco.