UGANDA CLAIMS AFRICA’S COFFEE CROWN AS ETHIOPIA CHALLENGES, RWANDA EYES PREMIUM MARKETS
Uganda has achieved a historic breakthrough in Africa’s coffee industry, overtaking Ethiopia in monthly coffee export volumes to become the continent’s leading coffee exporter for May 2025. The achievement marks a significant shift in Africa’s coffee trade and underscores East Africa’s growing influence in the global coffee market.
According to Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, the country exported a record 793,445 bags of coffee, equivalent to 47,606.7 metric tonnes, in May 2025.
The exports generated approximately US$243.9 million, the highest monthly earnings in the country’s coffee history. Uganda’s performance exceeded Ethiopia’s reported 43,481 metric tonnes during the same period.
The milestone is the result of years of investment in coffee production, quality improvement, farmer training, and distribution of improved coffee seedlings.
Over the twelve months ending May 2025, Uganda exported 7.43 million bags, generating more than US$2.09 billion in export earnings. Europe remained the largest destination, accounting for 67% of Uganda’s coffee exports, with Italy alone taking 39%.
While Uganda celebrates its record-breaking month, Ethiopia remains Africa’s largest coffee producer overall. Coffee originated in Ethiopia, and the country continues to produce nearly 500,000 metric tonnes annually, maintaining its reputation as one of the world’s premier coffee producers. Ethiopia’s famous Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, and Guji coffees remain highly sought after in specialty markets worldwide.
Elsewhere in East Africa, Tanzania continues to strengthen its position as a major producer, with annual output estimated at around 81,000 metric tonnes. The country’s coffee sector remains one of its most important export industries, with Arabica coffee accounting for about 70% of production.
Kenya, renowned for producing some of the world’s highest-quality Arabica coffee, exported approximately 53,519 metric tonnes in 2024. Kenyan coffee commands premium prices on international markets due to its distinctive flavor profile and stringent quality standards.
Meanwhile, Rwanda continues to carve out a niche in the premium coffee sector. Although its production volumes are smaller, averaging 20,000–22,000 metric tonnes annually, Rwandan coffee enjoys a strong reputation among specialty coffee buyers in Europe, North America, and Asia.
The country’s focus on quality, traceability, and value addition has enabled it to compete effectively in high-end markets.
Agricultural experts say the latest figures highlight the growing importance of East Africa in global coffee supply chains. Rising investment, favorable weather conditions, and increased global demand for premium African coffees are expected to drive further growth across the region.
For now, Uganda enjoys a symbolic victory in the race for Africa’s coffee crown, but analysts note that competition among the region’s coffee-producing nations is likely to intensify as countries seek greater market share and higher export earnings.
East Africa Coffee Production & Export Comparison
Country Annual Production / Export Volume (Metric Tonnes) Equivalent 60kg Bags
Ethiopia 496,200 tonnes 8.27 million bags
Uganda (12-month exports) 445,800 tonnes (7.43 million bags) 7.43 million bags
Tanzania 81,000 tonnes 1.35 million bags
Kenya 53,519 tonnes 892,000 bags
Rwanda 21,000 tonnes 350,000 bags
Bottom Line: Uganda has not yet overtaken Ethiopia in total annual coffee production, but it has become Africa’s leading coffee exporter by monthly volume, a milestone that reflects the country’s rapid rise in the global coffee industry.
By Andrew Shyaka
