Uganda Aims to Quadruple Coffee Output

As global coffee consumption continues to rise, coffee-growing nations are under increasing pressure to expand production and maximise returns. One of the continent’s most promising producers, Uganda, is stepping up its game with an ambitious plan to significantly increase output. For coffee professionals and importers watching supply trends, this move could have major implications for future availability and pricing.

Uganda, currently Africa’s largest coffee exporter, aims to increase production from 3 million 60kg bags to at least 12 million bags over the coming years — a fourfold increase. This target is part of a national strategy to capitalise on growing worldwide coffee demand and improve export earnings.

National Strategy for Coffee Growth

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni announced the plan during a meeting with a delegation from the International Coffee Organization (ICO), led by Executive Director Roberto Oliveira. Speaking in Kampala, Museveni outlined the government’s ambition to elevate the country’s coffee output substantially within the medium term. The goal is to reach the 12 million bag target by 2020, though the original target year is not explicitly confirmed in the article.

Replacing Aging Coffee Trees

A major factor limiting current yields is the age of Uganda’s coffee plants. Most of the country’s coffee trees are over 40 years old, resulting in declining productivity. To tackle this, the government plans to replace old trees with high-yielding new varieties. The strategy includes planting at least 20 million new, high-productivity coffee trees each year as a core component of the production increase.

Export Focus and Value Addition

Currently, nearly 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 government also intends to increase returns by adding more value to its coffee products, although specific methods or products such as instant coffee were not detailed in the announcement. The focus remains on raw bean exports for now.

Recent Production Trends

For context, Uganda’s 2012–2013 coffee production is estimated to have risen by at least 10% compared to the previous year, reaching around 3 million 60kg bags. This growth shows the sector’s potential for expansion, supporting the feasibility of the government’s long-term targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Uganda’s current coffee production?

As of the latest reported figures, Uganda produces around 3 million 60kg bags of coffee, with a year-on-year increase of at least 10% noted for the 2012–2013 season.

How much coffee does Uganda aim to produce in the future?

Uganda’s government has set a target to increase production to at least 12 million 60kg bags in the medium term, representing a fourfold increase from current levels.

Why is Uganda increasing its coffee production?

The increase is part of a national strategy to benefit from rising global coffee consumption and to boost export revenues. The government sees higher production as key to improving economic returns from its coffee sector.

What is the main issue with Uganda’s current coffee trees?

Most of Uganda’s coffee trees are over 40 years old, which has led to declining yields. Replacing these aging trees with high-yield varieties is a central part of the production strategy.

How does Uganda currently export its coffee?

Almost all Ugandan coffee is exported as green beans, primarily to the EU, the US, and Asian markets. There is limited mention of value-added products like instant coffee in the current strategy.

How many new coffee trees will Uganda plant each year?

Uganda plans to plant at least 20 million high-yield coffee trees annually as part of its effort to rejuvenate plantations and raise overall production.

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