Uganda’s coffee exports to China registered an increase by 190% in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting China’s growing role as a key driver of demand for Ugandan agricultural exports.
The announcement was made during the 1st Uganda–China Coffee Trade and Investment Meeting held on May 20, 2025, at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, where government representatives and business leaders from both countries discussed trade opportunities and investment prospects in Uganda’s coffee sector.
Ambassador Zhang Lizhong, Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, underscored China’s emergence as a key market for Ugandan coffee, noting Uganda’s role as a leading contributor to Africa’s coffee export growth.
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“Last year alone, we imported 8,700 tons of coffee from Uganda, valued at USD 31 million. This accounted for nearly 40% of Uganda’s total exports to China.Beyond trade, Chinese companies are increasingly interested in investing in Uganda’s coffee value chain,” Zhang said.
He described Uganda as a leading contributor to 16 consecutive months of positive coffee growth in Africa, and highlighted growing interest from Chinese investors in Uganda’s coffee value chain.
According to Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the growth in exports is guided by a focused promotional strategy targeting market access, brand visibility, and value chain integration.
“We’ have participated in more than 24 major coffee expos and events across China.This growth is a result of sustained efforts to establish Uganda as a reliable origin in the Chinese market.”said Doryn Negesa, MAAIF representative at the Uganda mission in Guangzhou.
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Negesa noted that China’s domestic coffee production is insufficient to meet demand, creating opportunities for exporters. However, she said Uganda still faces challenges in consistently positioning itself as a trusted and high-quality source.
As part of the growing collaboration, a Chinese delegation recently toured Ugandan coffee-growing regions including Bukomansimbi and Bugisu, meeting farmers and exporters.
Uganda’s coffee sector is a major foreign exchange earner and employs millions across its value chain. China is now emerging as one of its fastest-growing markets, signaling a shift in traditional trade flows and offering new opportunities for farmers and exporters.
