Uganda’s coffee output to rise 14.8% in 2025/26 season on expanding acreage, strong yields
Newly planted coffee trees and favorable weather conditions are expected to drive Uganda’s production growth in the coming year.
UGANDA – Uganda’s coffee production is projected to increase by 14.8% in the 2025/26 crop year, supported by improved yields from newly planted trees and favorable weather across major growing regions, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The East African nation, Africa’s leading coffee exporter, primarily grows the robusta variety and has seen output rise steadily amid expanding cultivation and government support programs.
Gerald Kyalo, Commissioner for Coffee at the Agriculture Ministry, told Reuters that the country expects to produce 9.3 million 60-kilogram bags in the 2025/26 season, up from 8.1 million bags in the previous period.
“Many farmers have planted coffee that will come into production this year, which will inevitably push up exports as well,” Kyalo said.
Government initiatives such as distributing free seedlings and fertilizer have played a key role in driving growth. These programs aim to help Uganda achieve its long-term target of producing 30 million bags of coffee annually by 2030.
According to the ministry, favorable weather conditions have supported planting, pruning, and training programs in key coffee regions. In August, 145 farmer training sessions were conducted across 11 regions, reaching more than 4,000 farmers.
From September 2024 to August 2025, Uganda exported 7.93 million bags of coffee worth UGX 7.94 trillion (US$2.27 billion), representing a 17.88% increase in volume and a 58.72% rise in value compared to the previous year.
Although Uganda’s coffee export revenues dipped 8.2% in August to US$202.8 million due to weaker global prices, overall output and trade volumes have maintained a strong upward trend.
Robusta coffee dominated exports, contributing 797,363 bags worth US$180.79 million, while Arabica coffee recorded notable growth, rising 11.88% in volume and 63.96% in value year-on-year.
The government continues to prioritize coffee as a key export commodity, viewing the sector as central to rural livelihoods and foreign exchange earnings.
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