Uganda coffee earnings hit UGX 8.8 trillion driven by surge in export volumes.

Uganda’s coffee industry has recorded its strongest performance in a decade, exporting 8.7 million bags worth USD2.4 billion in the year to November 2025. Higher production, better global prices, and strong Arabica demand drove the surge, positioning the sector for another solid year in 2026. 

Uganda’s coffee industry delivered its strongest performance in recent history, closing the year to November 2025 with record export volumes and earnings powered by higher production, firmer global prices and exceptional growth in Arabica shipments.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries’ (MAAIF) Coffee Report for November 2025, exports for the twelve months from December 2024 to November 2025 reached 8.7 million 60-kg bags, up from 5.8 million bags in the previous year. The value rose even more sharply—USD2.4 billion (UGX 8.8 trillion) compared to USD1.4 billion (UGX 5.2 trillion)—marking growth rates of 48.49pc in volume and 77.33pc in value.

For November 2025 alone, exporters shipped 640,328 bags worth USD185.99 million (UGX 664.94 billion). This was a substantial improvement—60pc in quantity and 71pc in value—relative to November 2024.

Robusta accounted for 510,091 bags, valued at USD131.17 million, while Arabica contributed 130,237 bags, worth USD54.83 million. The spike in Arabica exports was particularly notable, rising 122pc in volume and 211pc in value year-on-year.

MAAIF attributes the stronger performance to peak harvesting in Central and Eastern regions, combined with supportive international market trends. Global prices firmed on the back of weather-related concerns in Vietnam, the world’s largest producer of Robusta, tightening supply and lifting prices for Ugandan beans.

The average export price in November reached USD4.84 per kilogram, up 33 cents from October and 30 cents higher than a year earlier.

Robusta averaged USD4.29/kg, with washed Robusta fetching as high as USD5.01/kg. Screen 14 Robusta traded at USD4.60/kg.

Arabica maintained a strong premium, averaging USD7.02/kg, an improvement of 56 cents compared to October. The highest price was recorded for Bugisu C/PB at USD8.38/kg, followed by Wugar at USD8.16/kg. Drugar averaged USD6.89/kg, up from USD6.37/kg the previous month.

Sustainability-certified coffees represented 0.71pc of Robusta exports and 5pc of Arabica exports, both slightly lower than in October.

Farmgate Prices Reflect Improved Market Conditions

Farmgate prices for November remained robust, reflecting improved global sentiment. Robusta Kiboko averaged UGX 6,800/kg, FAQ UGX 13,700/kg, Arabica parchment UGX 16,500/kg, while Drugar traded at UGX 16,500/kg. Bugisu C/PB continued to command the highest prices on the premium Arabica market.

Exporters: Market Share Competition Intensifies

Export performance remained dominated by Uganda’s top players. The top 10 exporters accounted for 65pc of total export volume—slightly above the 64pc share recorded in October—indicating intensifying competition.

Ugacof (U) Ltd retained the largest market share at 17.25pc, up from 12.44pc in October. It was followed by Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd – 8.42pc, Touton Uganda – 8.03pc, Export Trading Company – 7.11, Jber Coffee Ltd – 6.54pc, Ideal Quality Commodities – 3.93pc,

JKCC General Supplies – 3.81pc, DRK General Merchants – 3.63pc, Kawacom (U) Ltd – 3.54pc, Ibero (U) Ltd – 3.40pc

Out of 76 active exporters in November, 28 shipped only Robusta, while 18 specialised in Arabica.

The record performance underscores Uganda’s tightening grip on its position as Africa’s leading coffee exporter by volume. With rising production capacity—especially from newly maturing plantations—sector stakeholders anticipate another strong year in 2026, provided global prices remain firm and weather conditions favorable.

                                                     Credit 256.