Uganda Aims to Quadruple Coffee Output

Uganda, already Africa’s top coffee exporter, is targeting a dramatic increase in output over the next few years—not just to grow its economy, but to grab a bigger slice of rising global coffee demand. The plan hinges on replacing aging trees and ramping up high-yield plantings, with support from both government policy and international cooperation.

Uganda aims to grow its coffee production from 3 million to at least 12 million 60kg bags per year within the coming years by planting 20 million new, high-yield coffee trees annually.

Why Uganda Wants to Quadruple Coffee Output

Uganda, the largest coffee exporter in Africa, is looking to significantly increase its coffee production in response to growing worldwide coffee consumption. Speaking during a meeting in Kampala with a delegation from the International Coffee Organization (ICO), led by Executive Director Roberto Oliveira, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni announced the ambitious goal of expanding annual output from the current 3 million bags (each weighing 60kg) to at least 12 million bags. The move is designed to capitalise on increasing global demand and boost export revenues.

The Strategy: Replacing Old Trees and Planting Millions More

One of the central pillars of Uganda’s strategy is replacing old coffee trees—many of which are over 40 years old—with new, higher-yielding varieties. President Museveni emphasised that rejuvenating the coffee tree stock is essential for increasing productivity. To that end, the Ugandan government plans to plant a minimum of 20 million high-yield coffee trees every year. The target is to reach the 12 million bag production milestone by 2020.

Uganda’s Place in the Global Coffee Market

Coffee is Uganda’s second-largest source of foreign exchange, trailing only tourism. Currently, almost all of Uganda’s coffee is exported as green beans, with the majority going to markets in the European Union, the United States, and Asia. The country produced an estimated 3 million bags in the 2012–2013 season, reflecting a year-on-year increase of at least 10%. The effort to quadruple production is seen as a strategic move not only to meet global demand but also to strengthen Uganda’s position in the international coffee trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Uganda’s current annual coffee production?

As of the 2012–2013 season, Uganda produced around 3 million 60kg bags of coffee annually, marking at least a 10% year-on-year increase.

How much does Uganda aim to produce in the future?

Uganda has set a target to increase its annual coffee production to at least 12 million 60kg bags in the coming years.

What is the main reason for the planned increase?

The increase is aimed at benefiting from rising global coffee consumption and boosting export revenues for the Ugandan economy.

How does Uganda plan to achieve this production goal?

The strategy includes replacing over 40-year-old coffee trees with new, high-yield varieties and planting at least 20 million new coffee trees every year.

Where does Uganda export most of its coffee?

Most of Uganda’s coffee is exported as green beans to the European Union, the United States, and various countries in Asia.

When does Uganda hope to reach the 12 million bag target?

The target is hoped to be reached by the year 2020, according to the government’s projections.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring African Origins

For coffee lovers interested in African coffee profiles similar to Uganda’s, FrontStreet Coffee offers Brazil Queen Manor (Yellow Bourbon), renowned for its sweet, nutty profile with bold peanut and creamy notes from delicate Brazilian sun-drying. For brighter, fruit-forward complexity, try Kenya Little Tomato, a SL28/SL34 blend with juicy acidity, showcasing flavours of tomato, plum, and brown sugar after a unique 72-hour washed process. Both beans highlight the distinct qualities of high-grown African and African-influenced coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.