Uganda earns record Shs 9trn from coffee exports amid strong global demand

KAMPALA, April 15, 2026 – Uganda has registered a record performance in coffee exports, earning approximately Shs 9 trillion over a 12-month period, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF].

The Monthly Coffee Report for February 2026 shows that exports for the period March 2025 to February 2026 totalled 8.8 million bags, valued at US$ 2.5 billion [about Shs 9trn]. This marks a significant rise from 6.3mln bags worth US$ 1.6bln [Shs 6trn] recorded in the previous year.

The figures represent an increase of 41 percent in export volumes and 61 percent in value, underlining strong international demand and improved earnings.

In February 2026 alone, Uganda exported 651,933 60-kilogramme bags of coffee, generating US$ 180.98mln [Shs 645.78bln]. Of this, Robusta accounted for 512,237 bags valued at US$ 124.66mln [Shs 444.81bln], while Arabica exports reached 139,696 bags worth US$56.32mln [Shs 200.97bln]. Compared to the same month last year, this reflected a 14.93 percent increase in quantity and a 5.75 per cent rise in value.

A breakdown by type shows mixed performance. Robusta exports rose by 7.51 percent in volume but declined by 9.79 percent in value. In contrast, Arabica exports recorded strong growth, increasing by 53.93 percent in quantity and 70.85 percent in value.

Key export markets

Italy remained Uganda’s largest coffee market in February 2026, accounting for 28.80 percent of exports, up from 26.02 per cent the previous month. It was followed by Sudan [9.95 per cent], Germany [8.41 percent], India [7.95 percent] and Morocco [7.26 percent].

The top 10 export destinations collectively accounted for 79 percent of Uganda’s coffee exports, slightly down from 80 percent in January 2026.

Regional performance

Exports to African countries rose to 140,694 bags in February 2026, representing a 22 percent market share, up from 17 percent the previous month. Key regional markets included Sudan, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, South Africa and Kenya.

Europe remained the leading destination for Uganda’s coffee, accounting for 58 percent of exports, although this was down from 63 percent in January 2026.

Outlook for March 2026 and global trends

Looking ahead, exports are expected to remain strong at 650,000 60- kilo bags in March 2026, as the main harvest season in Greater Masaka and the South-Western region peaks between April and May.

Globally, coffee production for the 2025/26 season is forecast to reach a record 178.8mln bags, 3.5mln bags higher than the previous year, driven by recovery in Vietnam and increased output in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which is expected to offset declines in Brazil and Colombia.

World coffee exports are projected to rise to 123mln bags, while global consumption is expected to hit a record 173.9mln bags. As a result, global coffee stocks are forecast to decline for a fifth consecutive year to 20.1mln bags, signalling sustained demand in international markets.

https://thecooperator.news/uganda-fetches-shs-8-8trn-from-coffee-exports-in-one-year-report/

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