Uganda has overtaken Ethiopia as Africa’s leading coffee exporter, marking a significant milestone for the country’s agriculture sector and export-driven economy.
According to official figures for May 2025, Uganda exported 47,606.7 tonnes of coffee—outpacing Ethiopia’s 43,481 tonnes for the same month. This translated to 793,445 60-kg bags, reflecting a 43.6% year-on-year increase from May 2024.
Uganda’s coffee exports in May earned a record $243.9 million, contributing to a 12-month total (June 2024–May 2025) of $2.09 billion from 7.43 million bags.
This unprecedented growth is driven by government-led initiatives focused on farmer empowerment, quality improvement, expanded value addition, and production reforms—part of a broader strategy to elevate Uganda’s position in the global coffee market.
While Uganda topped the charts in May, Ethiopia’s cumulative export data for July 2024 to May 2025 shows it exported 354,302 tonnes, with the country still targeting $2 billion in earnings by July 2025. Final comparisons between the two countries will depend on Ethiopia’s pending June-July figures.
Nonetheless, Uganda’s performance signals more than a momentary lead—it represents a structural shift in African coffee leadership, underpinned by strategic policy choices, innovation, and a farmer-centered growth model.