KAMPALA, July 18 (Xinhua) — Uganda’s coffee export sector has achieved its highest foreign exchange earnings in 30 years, driven by improvements in both quantity and quality, according to a report released Thursday by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).
In the fiscal year 2023/2024, Uganda’s coffee exports generated $1.14 billion, a significant increase from the $846 million earned in the previous year. This notable rise reflects both a 6.33 percent boost in the quantity of coffee exported and a 35.29 percent surge in revenue.
The UCDA reported that Uganda exported 6.13 million bags of coffee during this period, up from 5.76 million bags the previous year. Europe remains Uganda’s primary export market, with Asia, North America, and Africa following.
The UCDA attributes the record earnings to enhancements in production practices and post-harvest handling. Coffee continues to be a key commodity for Uganda, playing a crucial role in the country’s economic strategy. Approximately 1.7 million households in Uganda rely on coffee cultivation for their livelihoods.
The improved coffee yields are seen as a major factor in the substantial increase in export revenue, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its coffee industry.