Uganda’s coffee industry has recorded its highest export performance in history, reaching 8.2 million 60-kilogram bags valued at US$2.3 billion (Shs 8.1 trillion) in the latest export year — a 64% increase in value and 30% rise in volume compared to the previous period.
According to new figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Uganda strengthened its position as Africa’s leading coffee exporter in September 2025, shipping 844,949 bags worth US$218.6 million — a 56% jump in quantity and 48% growth in value year-on-year.
Building on this milestone, Uganda is now showcasing its success story at the Swiss International Holiday Expo (SIHE) 2025 in Lugano, Switzerland, taking place from October 31 to November 2, 2025.
Ambassador Marcel Tibaleka, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, said Uganda’s participation links the country’s coffee achievements with broader tourism and investment opportunities.
“Switzerland is one of the world’s leading coffee trading and consumption markets,” Tibaleka said. “Showcasing Uganda’s record coffee success here — alongside our tourism and investment potential — opens new frontiers for our economic diplomacy.”
This marks Uganda’s first-ever participation in the Swiss International Holiday Expo, Switzerland’s premier tourism and lifestyle exhibition that attracts over 400 international exhibitors and 7,000 high-value visitors.
Uganda’s showcase — organized by the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the UN in Geneva, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) — is themed “From Bean to Beauty: Experience Uganda.”
Ambassador Arthur Kafeero, Uganda’s Deputy Permanent Representative in Geneva, said the exhibition aims to connect Uganda’s coffee heritage with its tourism appeal.
“Coffee is not just Uganda’s top export; it is an experience that embodies our landscapes, our people, and our creativity,” Kafeero noted. “Through Lugano, we are linking our finest coffee with our finest tourism stories.”
Switzerland’s dual reputation as a luxury travel hub and a center for global coffee trade makes it a natural platform for Uganda’s integrated promotion of coffee tourism — immersive experiences taking visitors from farm to cup across Mt. Elgon, Bugisu, and the Rwenzori Mountains.
The Uganda Tourism Board will also promote the country’s full range of attractions — from gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris to birding, mountain climbing, and cultural heritage tours. With 11% of the world’s bird species, the source of the Nile, and year-round adventure, Uganda is being positioned as a sustainable and authentic travel destination.
“Uganda’s coffee success story reinforces our wider national brand — one that combines natural beauty, world-class products, and warm hospitality,” Ambassador Tibaleka added.
