Uganda Ascends as Africa’s Top Coffee Exporter, Surpassing Ethiopia
KAMPALA, Uganda – In a historic shift in the African coffee landscape, Uganda has officially overtaken Ethiopia as the continent’s leading coffee exporter.
This significant milestone was achieved in May 2025, with Uganda recording exceptional export volumes and earnings, solidifying its position as a major player in the global coffee market.
According to the latest figures from the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Uganda exported a record 793,445 60-kilogram bags of coffee in May 2025, equivalent to 47,606.7 metric tonnes.
This impressive performance generated approximately USD 243.9 million in revenue for the month. In contrast, Ethiopia exported 43,481.02 metric tonnes during the same period.
This robust monthly performance has pushed Uganda’s cumulative coffee export revenue between June 2024 and May 2025 to a remarkable USD 2.09 billion from a total of 7.43 million bags. This represents a substantial increase compared to the previous year, with a 22.24% rise in quantity and a staggering 93.61% increase in value.
Uganda’s ascendancy is attributed to a combination of strategic interventions and favorable conditions. Key factors contributing to this unprecedented growth include:
Enhanced Quality Standards: Stringent quality control measures implemented across the coffee value chain have significantly improved the overall quality of Ugandan coffee, making it highly sought after in international markets for its superior quality and distinctive flavor profiles.
Robust Farmer Training Programs: Extensive training initiatives have empowered farmers with improved agricultural practices, leading to higher yields and better bean quality.
Improved Access to High-Quality Inputs: Farmers have gained better access to high-yielding seedlings and fertilizers, further boosting productivity.
Government Support and Policy Reforms: The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has played a pivotal role through deliberate government interventions, including the “Coffee Roadmap” aimed at producing 20 million 60kg bags by 2030 and generating annual revenues of USD 1.5 billion.
Strong Logistical Network and Favorable Export Policies: Uganda’s efficient export infrastructure and supportive trade policies have streamlined the export process.
While Ethiopia has historically been recognized as the birthplace of Arabica coffee and a dominant force in continental exports, Uganda’s steady growth, driven primarily by Robusta coffee, has propelled it to the forefront in terms of export volumes.
Robusta coffee accounted for the majority of Uganda’s exports in May 2025, with 691,176 bags valued at USD 203.50 million, while Arabica contributed 102,269 bags worth USD 40.45 million.
Europe continues to be the primary market for Ugandan coffee, absorbing 67% of exports, with Italy leading as the top individual destination, accounting for 39%. Exports to African countries rose to 18%, and Asian markets received 13%.
The Ugandan coffee sector’s remarkable achievement comes ahead of its participation in the World of Coffee event in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 26–28, 2025, where Uganda is showcasing its coffee prowess. This landmark achievement not only underscores Uganda’s growing importance in the global coffee market but also signals a decisive shift in Africa’s coffee trade dynamics.
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