By Uganda’s coffee industry has brewed its biggest win yet on the global stage. At the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025 in Shanghai, the country inked a landmark partnership with Cotti Coffee, one of China’s fastest-growing coffee retail chains a deal expected to propel Ugandan coffee deeper into Asian markets and transform the livelihoods of thousands of farmers back home.
The agreement, signed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), positions Uganda as a key supplier to Cotti Coffee, which boasts over 7,500 outlets across 28 countries. It comes at a time when global demand for African coffee is surging, particularly among young consumers in Asia seeking authentic and sustainably sourced products.
At the heart of the deal lies a shared vision to elevate Ugandan coffee from a commodity crop to a world-recognized premium brand. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership will cover training for farmers, technology transfer, value addition, research collaboration, and joint brand promotion.
Latest
Gold Scam Lands Kampala Businessman in Trouble
Uganda Shocks France in World Cup Debut to Reach Round 32
Olivia Lutaaya Added to Unlawful-Drilling Case; Remanded to November 18
Government Clears Recruitment of 6,800 Public Servants in 2025/2026
Somali Army Chief Hails UPDF for Role in Restoring Peace
DEVELOPING: Another Student Allegedly Dies At Seeta High School
Lugoloobi Walks Free as Court Drops Iron Sheets Case
Ruto Casts Doubt on Samia’s 97% Win, Says True Democracy Can’t Deliver Such Figures
Ntoroko Vows to Sustain Gains from LEGS Project
A MAAIF official described the deal as “a turning point for Uganda’s coffee story.”
“We’re not just exporting beans anymore we’re exporting a brand,” he said. “This partnership connects our farmers directly with one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world.”
The Ugandan delegation at the Shanghai Expo included leading coffee exporters Meg Rai Coffee, Kwezi Coffee, Inspire Africa, and Elgon Coffee who together signed trade deals worth USD 3 million. At Uganda’s exhibition stand, visitors queued to sample Arabica and Robusta brews from the slopes of Mt. Elgon and the Rwenzori ranges, while others learned about Uganda’s growing specialty coffee sector.
Cotti Coffee executives hailed Uganda as a “partner of choice for quality and sustainability,” citing the country’s fertile soils, favourable climate, and consistent production as key strengths.
“Chinese consumers want to know the story behind their cup,” one Cotti representative said. “Uganda offers not just great coffee, but a human story of resilience and innovation.”
In the past year alone, Uganda’s coffee exports to China have risen by 190 percent, according to trade data a sign of the growing appetite for African coffee in Asia. This upward trend, experts say, could position Uganda as Africa’s leading coffee exporter to the Asian market, rivalling traditional suppliers like Ethiopia.
The collaboration is also expected to create jobs and strengthen Uganda’s coffee value chain by encouraging more local roasting and packaging for export. With increased visibility in China’s massive retail network, “Uganda Coffee” could soon become a household name across the continent.
Beyond the commercial gains, both governments see the partnership as a model for sustainable trade. Uganda has been championing responsible coffee production practices, while Cotti Coffee has committed to ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship.
During the expo, Uganda’s delegation participated in side events on green trade, e-commerce, and agriculture innovation, exploring how technology can improve traceability and transparency from farm to cup.
As one exhibitor put it, “Every cup of Ugandan coffee now tells a story of farmers who dared to dream beyond borders.”
With this landmark deal, Uganda isn’t just exporting coffee it’s exporting confidence, culture, and a bold new image of African excellence.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for more… https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6TpGqLtOjKB7S8OI3d
