Uganda’s coffee sector has hit its strongest performance in history, exporting 8.2 million 60-kilogram bags valued at US$ 2.3 billion (UGX 8.1 trillion) in the latest year, the highest export volume and earnings ever recorded.
According to fresh figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the achievement represents a 64% increase in value and 30% growth in volume compared to the previous year.
In September alone, Uganda shipped 844,949 bags worth US$ 218.6 million, cementing its position as Africa’s number one coffee exporter. This reflects a 56% growth in quantity and 48% increase in value compared to the same period last year.
As the coffee industry continues to rise, Uganda is taking its success story to the global tourism and investment stage. The country will showcase its unique blend of coffee, culture, investment, and adventure tourism at the Swiss International Holiday Expo (SIHE) 2025 from October 31 to November 2, 2025, in Lugano, Switzerland.
Ambassador Marcel Tibaleka, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, said late last month while presenting Uganda’s coffee success in Switzerland is strategic.
“Switzerland is one of the world’s leading coffee trading and consumption markets. Showcasing Uganda’s record coffee success here alongside our tourism and investment potential opens new frontiers for the country’s economic diplomacy.”
This will be Uganda’s first appearance at Switzerland’s flagship tourism and lifestyle exhibition, which attracts 400 global exhibitors and more than 7,000 high-value visitors.
Uganda’s participation is coordinated by the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations in Geneva, working with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). The exhibition will run under the theme:
“From Bean to Beauty: Experience Uganda.”
Ambassador Arthur Kafeero, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, emphasized the opportunity to merge Uganda’s export success with destination marketing.
“Coffee is not just Uganda’s top export; it is an experience that embodies our landscapes, our people, and our creativity. Through Lugano, we are linking our finest coffee with our finest tourism stories.”
Switzerland’s reputation as both a luxury tourism hub and a global coffee trading center provides a natural platform for Uganda to promote coffee tourism, a growing niche that offers farm experiences, tasting trails, and tours across Mt. Elgon, Bugisu, and the Rwenzori Mountains.
UTB will also market Uganda’s wider attractions , gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, birding, mountain climbing, and cultural heritage tours positioning Uganda as a destination of authenticity and sustainability.
Ambassador Tibaleka added:
“Uganda’s coffee success story reinforces our wider national brand, one that combines natural beauty, world-class products, and warm hospitality.”