New leader emerges as African coffee exports surge
Uganda has overtaken Ethiopia to become Africa’s top coffee exporter, national media have reported, citing figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.
According to the ministry’s October 2025 report, cited by the Kampala Post, the country exported 8.4 million 60-kg bags of coffee in the year to October, generating $2.4 billion in revenue — the highest earnings ever recorded by Uganda’s coffee sector. The figures represent an increase of 46.96% in export volumes and 77.33% in value compared with the 5.8 million bags worth $1.3 billion shipped a year earlier.
The export volumes surpass Ethiopia’s 7.82 million bags recorded in 2024/25, positioning Uganda as Africa’s leading coffee exporter.
The growth was largely fueled by a rise in arabica coffee exports, which surged 116.95% year on year, while export earnings jumped 182.3%. Robusta shipments also rose strongly, with export volumes increasing 31% and values up 19%, the ministry said.
“Coffee export volume was higher than the previous year on account of increased coffee production as harvest in Central and Eastern regions is already underway. Coffee prices at the global scene improved on weather related concerns Central America and Brazil and Vietnam,” the report stated.
Europe remained Uganda’s main export destination, accounting for 63% of total shipments. Italy was the largest buyer, absorbing 26.22% of exports, followed by Germany with 10.67%. Other major destinations included India, Switzerland, and the US.
Within Africa, Uganda shipped 108,540 bags, comprising 16% of regional exports. Key buyers included Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt.
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported earlier this month that Africa’s total coffee exports are projected to reach a record 1.18 million tons in 2025. Uganda and Ethiopia together are expected to account for almost 80% of that volume.
At the third African Coffee G25 Summit held in February in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, producing countries committed to increasing Africa’s share of global coffee production to 20% by 2030, up from about 11% currently.
Ethiopia and Uganda are widely recognized as Africa’s leading coffee producers, with other significant producers on the continent including Kenya, Tanzania, and Cote d’Ivoire.
