Uganda launches first roasted coffee export to Serbia 

UGANDA – Uganda has officially flagged off its first-ever export consignment of roasted coffee to Serbia, a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to shift from raw commodity exports to value-added products.  

The shipment of 75,000 packed bags was launched in Bugolobi and is seen as a critical step in boosting Uganda’s global trade presence. 

Speaking at the flag-off event, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Monica Musenero, emphasized that the export symbolizes more than just a business transaction. 

“This is not just about coffee,” she said. “It’s about Uganda becoming a global contributor, innovator, and a force in the industrial economy.” 

Uganda remains Africa’s second-largest coffee exporter by volume, yet the majority of its coffee exports have historically been in raw form. This has limited the country’s earnings and job creation potential.  

Processed coffee, on the other hand, commands significantly higher prices—ranging between US$12.50 and US$40 per kilogram, compared to US$2.50 for raw beans. 

Musenero noted that Uganda and many African nations are embarking on their first industrial revolution, distinctively focused on blending technological adoption with African resilience and cultural identity. 

The consignment is also a testament to strengthening bilateral ties between Uganda and Serbia. State Minister for Trade Wilson Mbadi linked the shipment to trade agreements signed in October 2024, which include tariff reductions and direct air links between Entebbe and Belgrade. He emphasized that the agreements are now bearing tangible results. 

In 2023, Uganda’s exports to Serbia totaled US$10.3 million, with coffee contributing US$9.99 million.  

The transition to processed coffee exports is expected to multiply these figures, enhance rural employment, and drive skills development. Mbadi also commended the Uganda Connect Press Hub in Belgrade for easing market entry and providing logistical support. 

Serbian trade partner Boris Stoikov shared insights into the product development journey, revealing that over 125 flavor profiles were tested to create four unique blends for Serbian consumers.  

The branding and packaging were tailored to Serbian market expectations, requiring flexibility with local regulations to accommodate foreign labeling requirements. 

The success of this shipment, though modest in volume, represents a broader transformation across Uganda’s agricultural, manufacturing, trade, and science sectors. It challenges long-held assumptions about Uganda’s capacity to deliver high-quality, processed coffee for global markets. 

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