KAMPALA, February 11, 2026 — Uganda has been selected to host the African Fine Coffees Association [AFCA] Conference and Expo in 2027, marking a significant milestone for the country’s coffee sector and reinforcing its growing leadership within Africa’s coffee industry.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of the AFCA 2026 Conference and Expo in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Uganda was represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF].
By hosting the 2027 Expo, Uganda has a strategic opportunity to showcase its coffee sector, attract investment and strengthen global partnerships. As Africa’s leading coffee exporter and the world’s second-largest producer of Robusta coffee, Uganda also cultivates high-quality Arabica beans across diverse agro-ecological regions.
Dr Gerald Kyalo, Commissioner for Coffee Production and Development at MAAIF, emphasised that hosting AFCA 2027 aligns with the Government’s objectives of improving coffee quality, promoting value addition, strengthening sustainability and traceability systems, and enhancing competitiveness in international markets.
Kyalo said the Expo represents a key step in transforming Uganda’s agriculture from a subsistence-based model into a modern, export-oriented sector, further consolidating its position as Africa’s leading coffee exporter.
The conference is expected to create direct opportunities for Ugandan farmers, processors, exporters and young entrepreneurs by facilitating engagement with global buyers and industry leaders. Uganda currently exports nearly nine million 60-kilogramme bags of coffee annually, generating more than US$2.5 billion in foreign exchange earnings. Coffee is Uganda’s leading agricultural export, supporting over 12.5 million people, with millions more engaged along the value chain.
Kyalo noted that hosting Africa’s largest coffee expo provides a vital platform for Uganda to demonstrate its production capacity, quality, diversity and commitment to sustainability on the global stage. He added that the event will go beyond exhibitions, serving as an avenue to attract buyers, investors and technology partners, expand market access for farmers and exporters, and promote value addition to maximise returns from coffee production.
The Government of Uganda has pledged to work closely with AFCA, the private sector and development partners to deliver a well-organised and impactful conference. Preparations are expected to include nationwide stakeholder consultations, selection of the host city and the launch of a conference theme reflecting Africa’s shared coffee ambitions.
The AFCA 2027 event is also expected to boost tourism, hospitality and business activity, further positioning Uganda as a regional hub for coffee excellence, innovation and sustainable production. Uganda’s selection as host of the 2027 conference reflects strong confidence in the country’s coffee sector reforms and its capacity to stage a major international industry event.
https://thecooperator.news/coffee-boom-powers-ugandas-agricultural-exports-maaif/
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