Uganda Coffee Exports Rise 3% on Higher Rainfall

Uganda’s coffee farmers have reason to be cautiously optimistic this season: more rain in key growing areas has helped boost the country’s coffee output. According to the BBC, this increase has led to a projected rise in national coffee exports for the 2024/25 season, offering both producers and global buyers a positive outlook.

This season, Uganda is expected to export 3.6 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee — a 3% year-on-year increase, driven by improved rainfall conditions in major growing regions.

Africa’s Leading Coffee Exporter

Uganda holds the title of Africa’s largest coffee exporter. The country plays a critical role in global coffee supply chains, particularly in the production and export of Robusta beans. Despite challenges such as climate variability, Uganda continues to maintain strong export volumes, solidifying its position in the international market.

Robusta-Dominated Production with Seasonal Challenges

Uganda’s coffee crop is predominantly Robusta, although some Arabica is also grown. Between January and March of the current season, an extended period of drought affected parts of the country, causing damage to some coffee plants. Despite this setback, overall production has still risen, ensuring that farmers’ incomes have been supported and export forecasts remain optimistic.

What’s Behind the 3% Export Increase

The primary driver behind Uganda’s higher export projection is increased rainfall across key coffee-growing regions. More consistent and ample rainfall during the growing cycle has contributed to better yields. The 3% rise equates to approximately 108,000 additional 60kg bags compared to the previous season, bringing the total to 3.6 million bags. This increase supports both local economies and global specialty and commercial coffee markets that rely on Ugandan supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee does Uganda export per season?

Uganda is forecast to export 3.6 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee this season, making it Africa’s largest coffee exporting nation.

Why did Uganda’s coffee exports increase this year?

The 3% rise in exports is primarily due to increased rainfall in key growing areas, which improved yields despite earlier drought conditions.

What type of coffee does Uganda mainly produce?

Uganda’s coffee production is predominantly Robusta, although some Arabica is also cultivated, especially in higher-altitude regions.

Did the drought affect Uganda’s coffee output this season?

Yes, an extended drought from January to March caused some damage to coffee plants, but overall production and exports still increased thanks to improved later-season rainfall.

How many 60kg bags equal a typical coffee export volume?

Uganda’s annual exports are measured in 60kg bags — this season’s forecast of 3.6 million bags reflects a significant volume in global trade terms.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for African Coffee Exploration

To explore the broader world of African coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon — a rare Brazilian offering with intense sweetness and complex fruit notes from meticulous small-batch processing. For contrast, our Kenya Little Tomato uses the SL28 and SL34 varieties with a signature 72-hour washed process to deliver bright acidity and bold fruit flavours like tomato, blackcurrant, and plum. Both beans showcase how terroir and processing shape distinct cup profiles, much like Uganda’s Robusta-driven output differs from other African origins. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.