Uganda outpaces Ethiopia with record coffee exports ahead of World of Coffee Geneva 2025

June 24, 2025 in Business, Land & Agriculture, Trade & Industry by Editor

Uganda’s coffee industry has hit a major milestone, overtaking Ethiopia to become Africa’s top coffee exporter by volume for the month of May 2025. According to the latest figures, Uganda exported a record 47,606.7 tonnes—equivalent to 793,445 60kg bags, up 43.59pc on May 2024. The exports fetched USD 243.9 million for the month, pushing annual earnings past the USD 2 billion mark for the first time.

The twelve-month period ending May 2025 saw Uganda export 7.43 million bags, generating USD 2.09 billion, compared to 6.08 million bags the previous year. This performance surpasses Ethiopia’s reported 43,481 tonnes for May, signalling a seismic shift in the continent’s coffee trade dynamics.

Italy led as Uganda’s top buyer, taking 39pc of exports, while Europe overall accounted for 69pc. African and Asian markets represented 18pc and 13pc respectively.

Uganda’s success is widely credited to government-backed efforts to enhance production, quality and expand market access. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has prioritized quality control, farmer training, and improved access to inputs, driving demand for Uganda’s distinctive Arabica and Robusta beans.

The record-breaking achievement comes just ahead of Uganda’s participation in the World of Coffee Geneva 2025 expo, taking place from June 26–28 at Palexpo SA. Uganda will showcase its growing global presence at Booth 2371, with daily cupping sessions and a spotlight tasting on June 26 at 2:30 PM.

“Coffee is at the heart of our national export strategy,” said Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture. “We are moving from an export value of USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion, and coffee is a primary driver of that transformation. Our participation in Geneva directly supports that vision.”

Uganda’s diplomatic team in Switzerland echoed the economic and symbolic importance of the Geneva expo.

“Geneva is not just a city—it’s the beating heart of global green coffee trade,” said Ambassador Arthur Kafeero, Uganda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN. “Here, we see tradition and technology meet. Our mission this week is not only to market our coffee but to build enduring bridges between Uganda and the global community.”

Leading Uganda’s exporter delegation is Robert Byaruhanga, President of the Uganda Coffee Federation, who said the expo offers a unique platform for international branding and connection.

“Each bean we present is a story of resilience, excellence, and Ugandan heritage,” he noted. “We are not just trading coffee—we are shaping Uganda’s legacy in global markets.”

As Uganda eyes its ambitious 2030 Coffee Roadmap—which targets 20 million bags annually and USD 1.5 billion in value-added exports—momentum from Geneva and rising global demand are propelling the country into a new era of trade leadership.