Uganda earned $2.5 billion (UGX 9 trillion) from coffee exports in the 12 months to February 2026, extending a record-breaking run that has cemented the East African nation’s position as Africa’s leading coffee exporter by volume.
Data from Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries show that the country shipped 8.8 million 60-kilogram bags in the period, up from 6.3 million bags worth $1.6 billion (UGX 6 trillion) in the year to February 2025, representing increases of 41% and 61% in quantity and value, respectively.
The figures build on a strong foundation. Uganda ranks second in Africa and eighth globally in coffee production, leads the continent in organic coffee exports, and is recognized as the birthplace of robusta coffee, according to the African Fine Coffee Association.
That heritage now underpins one of the sector’s most sustained export expansions in the country’s history.
In February 2026 alone, Uganda shipped 651,933 bags worth $180.98 million (UGX 573.50 billion), a 14.93% rise in volume and 5.75% gain in value compared with February 2025.
Arabica shipments drove much of the monthly growth, rising 53.93% in quantity and 70.85% in value year over year, while robusta exports grew 7.51% in volume.
Robusta accounted for 79% of total February exports by volume, with an average price of $4.06 per kilogram.
Arabica fetched $6.72 per kilogram on average, with premium Mount Elgon A+ grade reaching $9.99 per kilogram.
Average export prices declined month to month, falling to $4.63 per kilogram in February from $4.71 in January 2026, reflecting a broader easing in global coffee prices driven by improved supply forecasts.
World coffee production for 2025-26 is projected to reach a record 178.8 million bags, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with recovery in Vietnam and record output in Indonesia and Ethiopia absorbing losses from Brazil and Colombia.
Europe remained Uganda’s dominant export market, absorbing 58% of February shipments.
Italy led with a 28.80% share, followed by Sudan at 9.95%, Germany at 8.41%, India at 7.95% and Morocco at 7.26%.
African destinations absorbed 22% of total exports, up from 17% the previous month.
Ugacof (U) Ltd. retained the top exporter position with a 14.43% market share among 79 companies that shipped coffee during the month.
The ministry projects exports of 650,000 bags in March 2026, with the main harvest season in the Greater Masaka and southwestern regions expected to peak in April and May.
