UK Seeks Investment Opportunities in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain

What the report says

Britain is encouraging investors to look at Uganda’s coffee sector, especially opportunities in processing, packaging and distribution, as the country continues to expand its exports. In the Nile Post report, British High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney said the UK wants to strengthen trade and investment links with Uganda’s coffee industry through commercial partnerships, skills development and better access to international markets.

The remarks were made during the Uganda–UK and Ireland Coffee Familiarisation Trip, a programme meant to connect foreign buyers, roasters, retailers and distributors with Ugandan farmers, cooperatives, processors and exporters. The report says Uganda exported about 8.1 million bags of coffee worth US$2.1 billion, highlighting the sector’s importance to foreign exchange earnings and its wider economic role.

The article says the main investment opportunities include moving further into domestic processing and value addition, so more coffee is roasted, packaged and branded in Uganda rather than exported mainly as green beans. It also points to related services such as logistics and quality control. According to Chesney, stronger links with UK buyers could help Ugandan businesses capture more value from international demand.

The report adds that Britain is a major coffee market, which could create more openings for Ugandan exporters if they can meet standards on quality, traceability and supply. It also notes that greater local coffee consumption in Uganda could support jobs and growth across farming, manufacturing, retail and hospitality.