Uganda ready to boost coffee exports

Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, has underlined the nation’s commitment to massively boost exports on the back of its coffee and agricultural sector

“Uganda reaffirms its ambitious commitment to transform its export trajectory — from US$50bn to US$500bn — through strategic value addition,” the Minister noted at an industry event.

African growers, including Uganda, are taking part in the Specialty Coffee Association’s World of Coffee, Europe’s largest coffee trade show, taking place this year in Geneva.

“Coffee will be one of the primary drivers for achieving this target, reinforcing not only our economic competitiveness but also our national transformation agenda,” said Kyakulaga.

There are also confirmed plans to add greater value to coffee exports in order to further generate income for growers and the nation.

“Additionally, the Government of Uganda has set aside US$100mn to support investment in the gradual transition of the coffee sector from green bean export to both green bean and soluble coffee exports in a bid to generate more revenue and income for the farmers and the country as a whole,” the Minister noted.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is also showcasing its longstanding leadership in sustainable coffee development at the Geneva trade show with a focus on investing in value addition, technical capacity building and regional trade.

For over two decades, it has worked with the International Coffee Organisation and regional institutions to support coffee value chains and SMEs across Africa and elsewhere.

In separate meetings, Ugandan officials explored the possibility of a partnership with ITC focusing on value addition through science and technology transfer for sustainably increased coffee processing production.

“Coffee is more than a commodity,” said ITC executive director Pamela Coke-Hamilton.

“For the many small businesses we support in countries across the world, the ability to improve the quality of their beans, process at origin and meet sustainability requirements in the face of rising climate concerns means they’re able to adapt to changes to tap into new markets and compete at the global level."

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