Business 22 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Surpasses Ethiopia as Africa's Top Coffee Exporter, Eyes New Markets
Uganda has officially become Africa's leading coffee exporter, shipping 8.6 million bags worth $2.3 billion in a year and is now strategically targeting international markets through aggressive promotion. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-eyes-new-markets-after-coffee-export-boom-5505846
Uganda has climbed to become the leading coffee exporter on the African continent, surpassing Ethiopia. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the nation exported approximately 8.6 million 60-kilogramme bags of coffee between June 2025 and May 2026. This impressive volume generated an estimated $2.3 billion (Shs8.3 trillion) in revenue, solidifying coffee’s status as Uganda’s primary export commodity.
Dr. Gerald Kyalo, Commissioner for Coffee Development at MAAIF, highlighted that this achievement is partly due to Ethiopia’s substantial domestic coffee consumption, while Uganda’s export volume has seen exponential growth over the past five years. Industry data indicates Uganda was already among the world’s top coffee producers in 2023, with projections suggesting a continued increase in output.
Buoyed by this export success, Uganda is now focusing on strengthening its global presence. The Ugandan Embassy in Brussels, in collaboration with MAAIF, is preparing to feature the country’s coffee at the prestigious World of Coffee 2026 exhibition in Belgium. This major trade event organized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) attracts key players from the international coffee industry, offering a direct pathway to connect with buyers and investors.
Uganda’s aim at the exhibition is to showcase its high-quality specialty coffees from diverse growing regions, including Mount Elgon, the Rwenzori Mountains, West Nile, and the central Robusta belt. This initiative is designed to foster stronger trade relations, attract investment, and enhance Uganda’s reputation as a premier coffee producer on the world stage.