UK reaffirms commitment to strengthening Uganda’s coffee trade and investment

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment partnerships with Uganda, with a focus on expanding coffee exports, promoting value addition and connecting Ugandan producers to international markets.

British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney MBE, made the remarks during the Uganda–UK and Ireland Coffee Familiarisation (FAM) Trip, which brought together coffee importers, specialist roasters, retailers and distributors from the UK and Ireland.

Chesney welcomed the visiting delegation, saying the programme provides an opportunity to connect international buyers with Ugandan coffee farmers, cooperatives, processors, and exporters while creating new commercial opportunities.

She noted that Uganda exported 8.1 million bags of coffee valued at US$2.1 billion in the last reporting year, describing the performance as a reflection of the hard work of farmers and other players across the coffee value chain.

“Behind every bag of coffee are farmers, cooperatives, women, exporters, and communities whose skills, hard work, and dedication sustain one of Uganda’s most important economic sectors,” Chesney said.

The High Commissioner identified processing, value addition, skills development, tourism, and hospitality as key areas where British companies could invest and contribute to the growth of Uganda’s coffee industry.

She cited British company Hats Hats as an example of investment in Uganda’s domestic coffee market and highlighted the economic potential of increasing local coffee consumption.

According to Chesney, a one per cent increase in the number of Ugandans consuming an additional four cups of coffee per week could potentially generate US$47 million for the economy.

She also pointed to the UK market, where approximately 103 million cups of coffee are consumed daily, saying Ugandan businesses have an opportunity to increase their presence and make their products more competitive.

“This presents an exciting opportunity for everyone in this room to ensure that more of those cups tell the story of Uganda,” she said.

Chesney encouraged the visiting delegation to explore Uganda’s coffee-growing regions, interact with farmers, visit coffee farms and washing stations, and understand the production process from the farm to the final cup.

She reaffirmed the British High Commission’s readiness to support partnerships that bring Ugandan producers closer to international buyers and create lasting commercial opportunities.

The Uganda – UK and Ireland Coffee Familiarisation Trip is aimed at strengthening coffee trade relations, attracting investment, promoting value addition, and opening up additional international markets for Ugandan coffee.