Uganda, Africa's largest coffee exporter, is pursuing a national strategy to more than double its output to 20 million 60-kilogram bags by 2030. The plan, part of the country's National Coffee Roadmap launched in 2017, aims to solidify its position as a major player in the global coffee market and potentially reshape supply dynamics.
The country has already seen significant growth, increasing production from 3.5 million bags in 2017 to nearly 10 million bags currently. In the last year, Uganda exported approximately 8.3 million bags of green coffee, generating around US$2.3 billion in revenue, with coffee contributing nearly 20% of the nation's GDP, according to government officials. The crop is predominantly Robusta, which accounts for about 80% of production, with Arabica making up the remaining 20%.
To achieve its 2030 target, the Ugandan government is implementing several initiatives. These include a national replanting program providing free seedlings, investment in high-yield variety research, and a rehabilitation program for aging coffee farms. Officials also highlight a focus on quality, noting that much of Uganda's Robusta is grown at high altitudes between 1,200 and 1,500 meters, contributing to a unique flavor profile. If successful, the production increase would position Uganda as the world's third-largest coffee producer, surpassing current volumes from Colombia and Indonesia.