Uganda’s Coffee Exports Jump 59% in September on Bumper Harvest

Kampala, October 2025 — Uganda’s coffee exports rose sharply in September, jumping 59% year-on-year to 844,949 60-kg bags, buoyed by a bumper harvest across Central and Eastern regions, the agriculture ministry said on Wednesday.

This compares with 532,212 bags exported in the same month last year, underscoring strong supply dynamics and the resilience of Uganda’s coffee sector, which remains a major driver of foreign exchange earnings.

The report attributed the surge to favorable weather conditions and increased production capacity as the 2025/26 harvest season gains momentum.

“Coffee export volume was higher than the previous year on account of increased coffee production as the harvest in Central and Eastern regions is already underway,” the ministry said.

Foreign Exchange Boost

Coffee, alongside gold, stands as Uganda’s largest source of foreign exchange. The agriculture ministry noted that coffee export earnings reached $2.2 billion in the 12 months to September, a 57% increase year-on-year reflecting both higher export volumes and stronger international prices.

The ministry forecasts coffee production to rise 15% in the new crop year, supported by expanded acreage, improved agronomic practices, and government-backed initiatives to enhance yield quality.

Context: Global Coffee Market

The rise in Uganda’s coffee output comes amid a tightening global supply environment, with weather disruptions affecting major producers in Latin America. Uganda’s robusta beans, prized for their quality and consistency, continue to find strong demand in Europe and emerging Asian markets.

Analysts say Uganda’s performance strengthens East Africa’s positioning in the global coffee trade, particularly as neighboring Ethiopia and Tanzania also expand their processing and export infrastructure.

Bottom Line:

Uganda’s record September exports reaffirm its role as Africa’s top coffee exporter and one of the world’s most competitive suppliers of robusta coffee. With production projected to increase further this crop year, the sector is set to deliver sustained export earnings and rural growth momentum through 2026.