Uganda has become Africa’s top coffee exporter

Shift in African Coffee Dynamics: 

Ethiopia has long been viewed as the leading coffee exporter in Africa, especially known for Arabica and specialty coffee. Uganda surpassing Ethiopia—even if for one month—is symbolically very significant. It suggests Uganda is scaling up production & exports and possibly improving competitiveness. 

Government support

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has been backing the coffee sector in several ways: training farmers, ensuring better access to inputs (seedlings, quality inputs), enforcing quality controls.

Higher Global Demand / Price Conditions

High international prices (or favorable price conditions) encourage exporters to sell more and possibly incentivize increased production. 

Better weather, or favorable growing conditions in Uganda may have helped yield or reduced losses in certain regions. (Though explicit weather data is less emphasized in the reports.)

Export Markets

A big share of Uganda’s coffee goes to Europe (Italy being a major consumer). Strong demand there helps. Having reliable buyers is a plus.