Uganda has pitched investment opportunities in coffee processing and branding to global traders as it seeks to earn more from exports that have more than doubled since 2017.
The country made the appeal during its first appearance at the 17th Swiss Coffee Trade Association Forum and Dinner in Montreux, Switzerland. Its delegation presented plans to raise production, improve quality and help buyers trace coffee to the farms where it grows.
Minister of State for Agriculture Desire Muhooza led the delegation, which included Agriculture ministry Permanent Secretary David Kasura-Kyomukama and Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire Waiswa.
Muhooza told participants that Uganda’s coffee exports rose from about 3.6 million bags in 2017 to more than 8.3 million bags in 2025.
She credited the growth to government support through seedling distribution, farmer training, subsidised fertilisers and extension services. Rehabilitation and replanting programmes also helped increase production, she said.
Coffee growing has expanded into northern and eastern Uganda, bringing more farmers into a sector that supports millions of households.
The delegation urged investors to look beyond production and explore processing, manufacturing, branding and export development.
Finance ministry commissioner Joseph Enyimu said Uganda wants to capture more value from its coffee rather than rely on raw commodity exports.
“Coffee presents significant opportunities not only in production but across processing, manufacturing, branding and export development,” he said.
The investment appeal came alongside assurances that Uganda is strengthening systems to meet international market requirements.
Kasura-Kyomukama said the country is mapping and registering farmers to improve traceability and support compliance with requirements such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
“Trust begins with knowing where our coffee comes from and being able to demonstrate how it is produced,” he said.
Uganda also outlined efforts to help farmers cope with climate pressures and adopt sustainable production practices.
The delegation showcased Uganda’s Fine Robusta, which has chocolate, caramel, nutty and spicy flavour notes. It also promoted speciality Arabica coffees from Bugisu, Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori highlands.
Bagiire Waiswa said the engagement supported Uganda’s economic and commercial diplomacy agenda. He stressed cooperation between government agencies to promote Ugandan products, attract investors and secure new markets.
For Uganda, the challenge is to turn rising export volumes into greater earnings through better quality, stronger market access and more processing at home.
