Uganda secures US$3mn in coffee deals at China Import Expo

Uganda’s coffee sector has recorded a significant milestone after local exporters clinched trade deals worth US$3mn during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

The event, held from 5–10 November, saw Uganda’s coffee take centre stage as four prominent exporters — Meg Rae Coffee, Kwezi Coffee, Inspire Africa, and Elgon Coffee — showcased both green and roasted varieties. Their participation was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), which coordinated the national pavilion under the theme “Agriculture–Tourism–Prosperity.”

Uganda’s stand quickly became one of the busiest in the agricultural hall, drawing interest from commercial buyers, roasters, retailers, and global logistics companies. Officials from MAAIF also held strategic engagements with Chinese traders and took part in discussions on digital innovation in the coffee value chain and import policies for developing economies.

A key highlight from the Expo was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Cotti Coffee, currently the world’s fastest-growing coffee retail chain with more than 7,500 shops across 28 countries. This partnership marks a transformative step for Uganda as it opens a direct link between Ugandan coffee farmers and one of Asia’s most dynamic consumer markets.

The MoU, signed between MAAIF and Cotti Supply Chain (Anhui) Ltd, focuses on promoting Uganda’s coffee brand throughout China and internationally. It includes provisions for joint marketing campaigns, farmer training initiatives, technology transfer, and investment in value addition  particularly in post-harvest handling and agro-processing to enhance quality.

In a statement, MAAIF emphasised that the partnership aims to “redefine how the world experiences Ugandan coffee,” ensuring farmers benefit from better market access and global visibility. Cotti Coffee executives praised Uganda as a reliable partner renowned for quality beans, ethical sourcing, and ideal growing conditions.

Uganda’s coffee exports to China have already surged by 190% in 2025, with beverages made from Ugandan beans trending across Chinese cafés and social media platforms. As China’s coffee market is expected to exceed US$45bn by 2030, this collaboration offers Uganda a powerful gateway into one of the world’s fastest-growing coffee economies.

Uganda was represented at CIIE by 28 exporters from the coffee and wider agricultural sectors. The government continues to invest heavily in coffee production through seedling distribution, farmer training programmes, irrigation expansion, research, and global branding.

Under the new partnership, Uganda’s identity will feature prominently in Cotti Coffee advertising across major Asian cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore. This visibility is expected to drive export earnings, create new employment opportunities, and strengthen ties between Uganda’s rural farming communities and millions of coffee lovers across Asia.