Overview:
Ugandan coffee makes a major statement at the SCAJ Tokyo specialty conference, leveraging a historic year of exports that surged to a record $2.24 billion.
TOKYO, Japan — Uganda marked its arrival as a major global coffee exporter this week, showcasing its beans at Asia’s largest coffee gathering, the SCAJ World Specialty Coffee Conference & Exhibition. The country’s strong presence is underpinned by a historic year that saw its coffee export revenue soar to a record $2.24 billion.
This record figure, a 58.7% increase over the previous year, confirms coffee as Uganda’s largest export and a vital economic driver. In the 12 months leading up to August 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) reported the country exported 7.93 million 60-kilogram bags.
Targeting Asia’s Top Specialty Market
At the SCAJ event in Tokyo Big Sight, the Ugandan pavilion, branded “UGANDA – THE PEARL OF AFRICA,” is leveraging this export success to attract buyers in the highly discerning Japanese market.
Japan is a key target for growth, and the government’s official pavilion signals a dedicated strategy to grow Uganda’s market share in the region. Visitors are participating in guided cuppings and sustainability talks, connecting Japanese roasters with Ugandan farmers and exporters.
“Japan values quality, traceability, sustainability and authenticity,” said Tophace Kaahwa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan. “Uganda delivers all four — and with volumes that can sustain long-term partnerships.”
Quality and Volume Power Growth
The record performance is driven by surging global demand and quality improvements. While Robusta coffee forms the backbone of Uganda’s volume, the country’s high-altitude Arabica beans are surging in value, particularly in the specialty segment.
In August 2025 alone, Arabica exports rose nearly 64% in value compared to the same month last year, with premium lots like Mt. Elgon A+ fetching prices up to $9.42 per kilogram.
“The story of Uganda’s coffee is not just about exports, it is about transformation,” said Gordon Katwirenabo, Assistant Commissioner for Quality Assurance and Value Addition. “From smallholder farmers to world-class exporters, Uganda is proving that quality, sustainability, and scale can go hand in hand.”
The Tokyo exhibition is also functioning as a critical deal-making hub, allowing exporters to negotiate partnerships on site. MAAIF views the event as an integral part of a national strategy to grow exports, enhance farmer incomes, and solidify Uganda’s reputation as a dependable supplier of quality coffee globally.
“Our exports are at record highs — and this is just the beginning,” Katwirenabo added.