The United Kingdom is looking to strengthen investment and trade partnerships with Uganda's coffee industry, with emphasis on processing, value addition, skills development and international market access. British High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney said the UK wants to help Uganda build on its coffee export performance through commercial partnerships and investment across the value chain. The initiative is being pursued through the Uganda-UK and Ireland Coffee Familiarisation Trip, designed to connect international buyers, specialist roasters, retailers and distributors with Ugandan farmers, cooperatives, processors and exporters.
Uganda's coffee sector is a significant foreign exchange earner. The country exported approximately 8.1 million bags of coffee valued at US$2.1 billion (about Shs7.77 trillion) during the last reporting year, according to the source material. This performance underlines the export opportunities available in processing, packaging, logistics and other services that support the movement of coffee from farms to international markets.
Domestic processing represents a major opportunity for value addition. Chesney said stronger commercial connections could help Ugandan businesses move beyond exporting green coffee beans to producing roasted, packaged and branded products for local and international consumers. Such investment could increase the value retained in Uganda, create jobs in manufacturing and distribution, and expand markets for farmers. She cited British company Hats Hats as an example of foreign investment in Uganda's domestic coffee market, pointing to the potential for international businesses to participate in the country's coffee industry.
Expanding local coffee consumption also holds economic potential. According to Chesney, a one percentage-point increase in the number of Ugandans consuming an additional four cups of coffee per week could generate an estimated US$47 million (about Shs173.9 billion) for the economy. A larger domestic market would create additional demand for local producers and processors while supporting businesses involved in roasting, packaging, retail and hospitality.
The UK itself represents a significant export opportunity. Chesney said approximately 103 million cups of coffee are consumed daily in Britain, presenting opportunities for Ugandan exporters to strengthen their presence among importers, roasters and retailers. However, accessing a larger share of that market will depend on consistent supply, competitive pricing, quality standards, traceability and the ability to meet buyers' requirements. Chesney encouraged the visiting delegation to interact with producers and understand the coffee production process from farm to final product.
For Uganda, attracting investment into processing and related services could help diversify exports, strengthen domestic manufacturing and increase the participation of local enterprises in international supply chains. The sector also offers employment opportunities in processing, quality control, logistics, marketing and coffee retail, particularly for young people and women. The familiarisation programme seeks to turn Uganda's growing export capacity into stronger commercial relationships and investment opportunities across the coffee value chain.