Uganda is ramping up investment in the Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo, marking a strategic shift from exporting raw beans to producing higher-value coffee products.

Backed by government funding and policy support, the integrated hub will process roasted coffee, instant coffee, and extracts—aiming to boost export earnings and reduce reliance on volatile global prices.

State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi said Uganda has long exported raw beans, missing out on the greater value captured through processing and branding abroad.

From a broader African perspective, the move reflects a growing push across leading coffee producers like Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire to move beyond raw exports.

Despite producing some of the world’s finest coffee, much of Africa’s value has historically been captured abroad through processing and branding.

By investing in value addition and industrialization, countries are working to retain more profits locally, create jobs, and build resilient economies.

The Africa Coffee Park is expected to strengthen value chains, improve farmer incomes, and position Uganda to compete in premium markets, in line with continental goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area.