Uganda’s coffee exports rake in Shs765 billion in September

KAMPALA: Uganda’s coffee exports continue to break records, with September 2025 alone generating US$218.6 million (UGX 766.7 billion) from 844,949 60-kilogram bags, marking a 48.2% increase in value and a 56.1% rise in volume compared to the same month last year.

According to the monthly coffee report for September released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Agriculture, the 2024/2025 Coffee Year closed with an unprecedented US$2.3 billion (UGX 8.1 trillion) in total earnings from 8.2 million bags exported, representing a 64.1% surge in value over the previous year.

High-value Arabica coffee drove the September performance, with exports surging 280.2% in value and 166.2% in quantity year-on-year. Meanwhile, Robusta, which made up 91% of total exports, posted a 35.8% increase in value and 50.2% growth in volume. The average price for all coffee exports during the month stood at US$4.31 per kilogram.

Europe remains the dominant market, accounting for 61% of Uganda’s coffee exports, with Italy leading individual countries at 25.63%. African countries imported 22% of total exports.

Competition among domestic exporters intensified in September. The top 10 exporters captured 69% of the market, up from 64% in August. Ugacof (U) Ltd led the pack with a 10.60% market share, closely followed by Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd at 10.40%. On the buyer side, Sucafina SA dominated foreign purchases with an 11.43% share.

To reinforce quality, Uganda participated in the Specialty Coffee Expo Japan 2025, showcasing specialty Arabica and fine Robusta, which generated substantial international interest.

Looking ahead, exports for October 2025 are projected at 850,000 bags, as the main harvest continues in the Central and Eastern regions. Development initiatives, including training for over 4,300 farmers and farm visits to reinforce Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs), aim to maintain the momentum in production and quality.

The record monthly earnings highlight Uganda’s growing prominence in the global coffee market and underscore the economic significance of the sector for rural livelihoods and national revenue.