According to the latest figures for May 2025, Uganda has officially surpassed Ethiopia as Africa’s top coffee exporter, marking a significant milestone for the country’s agricultural sector.
Data released shows Uganda exported 47,606.7 tonnes of coffee in May 2025, beating Ethiopia’s 43,481 tonnes for the same month.
This boost resulted in Uganda shipping out 793,445 bags of coffee, a 43.6% increase compared to May 2024.
The value of Uganda’s coffee exports also reached an all-time monthly high of $243.9 million. Over the 12 months from June 2024 to May 2025, the country earned $2.09 billion from the export of 7.43 million bags of coffee.
The rise in Uganda’s coffee trade is credited to a mix of strategic government policies, farmer empowerment initiatives, improved production techniques, and a focus on adding value within the country.
While Uganda took the lead in May, Ethiopia’s broader performance over the fiscal year (July 2024 to May 2025) shows it exported 354,302 tonnes of coffee.
Ethiopia remains on track to meet its $2 billion target by the end of July 2025. However, complete comparisons between the two countries will only be possible once the figures for June and July are made public.
Still, Uganda’s May showing marks more than just a numbers win. It highlights a new phase in Africa’s coffee trade, where deliberate investments and grassroots support for farmers shape market leadership.
Agriculture experts attribute Uganda’s success to its steady investment in smallholder farmers and value-chain development.
The rise in exports means increased income for rural communities, more jobs in coffee processing, and a stronger position for Uganda in the global coffee market.
