Uganda’s coffee sector has achieved a historic milestone, recording a 77.33% growth in export value over the past twelve months. According to the latest data released by the Uganda Coffee Processors Association (UCPA), the country generated $2.4 billion (approximately 9.2 trillion Ugandan Shillings) between December 2024 and December 2025, firmly establishing coffee as a cornerstone of the national economy.
This financial surge aligns with a significant increase in volume, as 8.7 million bags (60kg each) were shipped globally—a 48.49% jump compared to the previous year. Industry experts attribute the prosperity of this “green gold” to a combination of domestic improvements and shifts in the international market.
Key factors include a global supply shortage caused by production challenges in chief competitor Vietnam, which drove up international prices and boosted the value of Ugandan beans. Additionally, high productivity in Central and Eastern Uganda strengthened supply, while strategic international branding and marketing opened doors to higher-value markets.
UCPA Chairman Ian Clarke expressed high hopes for the future, predicting that annual revenue could reach 20 trillion Shillings by 2030. However, he emphasized that achieving this goal requires a shift in focus from quantity to quality.
“Stakeholders must rehabilitate aging farms and adopt climate-resilient practices,” Clarke stated. He further noted that an ongoing program to rejuvenate old trees across 400,000 smallholder farms has the potential to double the yield per tree.
While the figures are impressive, the sector faces a significant challenge ahead: the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
To avoid losing access to the lucrative European market, Uganda is accelerating its efforts to register farms using geospatial monitoring systems to ensure its products are certified “deforestation-free.”
The current focus is also shifting toward value addition. Rather than simply exporting raw green coffee beans, there is a growing movement toward domestic roasting and packaging.
British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for this transition, stating that the UK takes pride in supporting Uganda’s efforts to elevate its trade chain by exporting high-quality, finished products.
