Uganda has overtaken Ethiopia as Africa's top coffee exporter for the first time. The East African nation shipped 793,445 bags during May 2025 compared to Ethiopia's 724,683 bags. Uganda's exports jumped 43.59 percent from the same month last year. The country earned $243.9 million from coffee sales during May alone. Annual coffee revenue reached $2.09 billion between June 2024 and May 2025.
Ethiopia has held the continental leadership position for decades until Uganda's recent surge. Export forecasts show Uganda expects to ship 7 million bags during the 2024/25 marketing year. Ethiopia projects only 4.35 million bags for the same period. Italy purchases 39 percent of Uganda's coffee exports as the largest single buyer. European nations account for 67 percent of total shipments from Uganda.
Government programs have improved farmer training and quality standards across Uganda. The agriculture ministry has expanded access to better farming supplies and techniques. These efforts have boosted Uganda's reputation for producing high-quality coffee beans. Stricter quality controls have helped Ugandan coffee compete globally. The improvements have attracted more international buyers to Ugandan coffee.
Uganda plans to display its coffee excellence at the World of Coffee Geneva expo from June 26 through 28. Agriculture officials want to use coffee as a key part of expanding national exports. The government aims to grow total exports from $50 billion to $500 billion. Geneva handles more than half of global green coffee trading activity. Uganda views the expo as a chance to build new partnerships with international buyers.
Ethiopia has held the continental leadership position for decades until Uganda's recent surge. Export forecasts show Uganda expects to ship 7 million bags during the 2024/25 marketing year. Ethiopia projects only 4.35 million bags for the same period. Italy purchases 39 percent of Uganda's coffee exports as the largest single buyer. European nations account for 67 percent of total shipments from Uganda.
Government programs have improved farmer training and quality standards across Uganda. The agriculture ministry has expanded access to better farming supplies and techniques. These efforts have boosted Uganda's reputation for producing high-quality coffee beans. Stricter quality controls have helped Ugandan coffee compete globally. The improvements have attracted more international buyers to Ugandan coffee.
Uganda plans to display its coffee excellence at the World of Coffee Geneva expo from June 26 through 28. Agriculture officials want to use coffee as a key part of expanding national exports. The government aims to grow total exports from $50 billion to $500 billion. Geneva handles more than half of global green coffee trading activity. Uganda views the expo as a chance to build new partnerships with international buyers.
