Uganda projects 27% rise in coffee exports as production expands amid global price surge 

UGANDA – Uganda’s coffee exports are projected to surge by 27% in the current crop year ending September 30, according to the National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses and Farm Enterprises (NUCAFE).  

The country expects to export 8 million 60-kilogram bags, up from 6.3 million bags in the previous period, marking a significant increase in output. 

Uganda, Africa’s top coffee exporter, largely cultivates robusta beans and depends on the crop as a critical source of foreign exchange.  

The anticipated growth is attributed to the maturation of coffee trees planted under government support programs and the continued rise in global coffee prices. 

Deus Nuwagaba, Deputy Executive Director of NUCAFE, noted that government efforts to promote coffee cultivation—especially the distribution of free seedlings to farmers—are now bearing fruit.  

“There has been a deliberate initiative from the government to promote coffee production. All those trees that were planted under that programme are coming into production,” he said. 

Nuwagaba also cited favourable rainfall across coffee-growing regions and record international prices as key drivers of the export boost. “Coffee prices are so good that almost everyone is going into coffee production,” he added. 

Global coffee prices have increased sharply, with a 70% surge recorded last year, due to weather-related disruptions in major producing countries such as Brazil and Vietnam. These high prices have incentivized Ugandan farmers to expand coffee acreage. 

Uganda’s coffee sector has seen steady growth in recent years. The country earned US$1.4 billion from coffee exports in the last crop year, a significant rise from US$550 million seven years ago.  

The ongoing expansion supports Uganda’s long-term production goal of reaching 20 million bags by 2030. 

Looming EUDR 

However, as the industry grows, stakeholders are urging the government to address structural reforms in the coffee sector.  

This comes amid the integration of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. 

Additionally, Uganda faces a looming challenge with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which demands strict environmental compliance and traceability.  

With only 238 days remaining before the regulation takes effect, experts warn that Uganda risks losing access to key EU markets unless urgent, coordinated action is taken. 

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