Shipments of Robusta and Arabica from Uganda have soared amid improved yields and rising global demand

Uganda's coffee exports soared by 59% year-on-year in September, as the East African nation benefited from an abundant harvest across key growing regions, the Ministry of Agriculture announced on Wednesday.

According to a report released by the ministry, the country exported 844,949 60-kg bags of coffee last month, compared with 532,212 bags shipped in September 2024. The surge in volume was accompanied by a significant rise in export earnings, which reached $218.6 million, up 48% from $144.7 million over the same period last year.

The shipment data revealed strong growth across both the Robusta and Arabica coffee varieties. Robusta exports surged by 50%, rising from 504,576 bags in September 2024 to 771,704 bags. Arabica exports more than doubled to 73,245 bags compared to 27,636 previously - a 166% increase.

The Agriculture Ministry attributed the gains to strong output in central and eastern regions. In its official assessment, the ministry noted that the "coffee export volume was higher than the previous year on account of increased coffee production."

Uganda's primary export markets include Italy, Germany, Morocco, Sudan, and Algeria.

The country is one the continent's top coffee exporters, predominantly cultivating Robusta beans, though it also produces high-altitude Arabica in mountainous areas.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Uganda expects a further 15% increase in total coffee production during the new crop year. Gerald Kyalo, commissioner for the coffee department at the Ministry of Agriculture, said production is projected to reach 9.3 million 60-kg bags of coffee, compared with a forecast of 8.1 million in the previous cycle.

Kyalo attributed the anticipated growth to expanded cultivation efforts in recent years. "Many farmers have planted coffee which we anticipate will come into production this year and will inevitably push up exports as well," he told the news agency.

READ MORE: Russia and Nigeria boost agriculture ties

Africa produces about 23 million 60-kg bags of coffee annually, with Ethiopia and Uganda accounting for over half of total output. Ethiopia generated about $2.65 billion in export revenue last year. Uganda earned approximately $1.55 billion from coffee exports in 2024. Other notable producers include Tanzania, Cote d'Ivoire, and Kenya.