Uganda Tops Africa’s Coffee Exports with $2.2 Billion Revenue

Uganda has solidified its position as Africa’s leading coffee exporter, generating over $2.2 billion in export revenue, according to figures presented at the National Trade Review Conference.

The milestone highlights coffee’s continued dominance in Uganda’s export portfolio, even as other key commodities, including gold, remain major contributors to foreign exchange earnings.

Officials noted that overall export revenues have grown steadily over the past five years, rising from roughly $5 billion in 2020 to $13.4 billion in 2025, reflecting increased production capacity and diversification efforts.

However, the government has cautioned that escalating tensions in the Middle East could disrupt established export routes and create trade imbalances.

Speaking at the conference, Trade Minister Wilson Mbadi urged Ugandan exporters to explore alternative markets amid ongoing regional instability.

“We cannot rely solely on the Middle East. We must diversify and explore other markets to mitigate risks. We do not know when the conflict will end, so we must act proactively,” Mbadi said.

The minister also noted that Uganda is facing pressures on its trade balance, partly due to the importation of expensive oil exploration equipment, which has significantly increased the country’s import bill.

The conference, held under the theme “Trade Driven Transformation: Propelling Uganda to a Shs500 Billion Economy by 2040,” emphasized the need to strengthen value addition, expand market access, and build resilience against geopolitical shocks to sustain export growth.

Europe remains the primary destination for Ugandan coffee, accounting for 63% of total exports in late 2025. Italy led with a 26% share, followed by Germany, Algeria, India, and Switzerland. Italy continues to be the largest single importer, maintaining a consistently high market share.

With coffee maintaining its top position on the continent, policymakers say the next phase will focus on consolidating gains while diversifying both products and markets to ensure long-term trade stability.