Latest news with #AnimalIndustryandFisheries
Arabian Post
23-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Uganda's Coffee Export Surge Delivers Record-Breaking Earnings in May
Uganda achieved a significant leap in coffee export earnings and volumes during May, driven by a strong harvest in key growing regions and sustained high global prices. The May coffee shipments reached 793,445 bags of 60 kg—an increase of 44% year‑on‑year—while export earnings soared to US$243.95 million, marking a 92% rise compared to May 2024. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries attributes the performance to robust output from the main harvest in Masaka and the southwestern districts, coupled with supportive international market conditions. Robusta, which accounted for around 87% of the total volume, reached 691,176 bags, valued at US$203.5 million. Arabica exports of 102,269 bags generated US$40.45 million—reflecting a near 110% surge in value year‑on‑year. Despite a slight dip in global prices in May due to improved output from Brazil, Uganda managed to sustain earnings growth through volume expansion. May's average export price stood at US$5.12 per kilogram, just marginally below April's US$5.15, but significantly higher than May 2024's US$3.83. ADVERTISEMENT Over the past 12 months—from June 2024 to May 2025—Ugandan coffee exports totalled 7.43 million bags, generating an impressive US$2.09 billion. This performance represented increases of 22% in volume and 94% in value relative to the previous year. The government has pursued a proactive strategy to bolster production. A 15‑year agroindustrialisation plan unveiled in the State‑of‑the‑Nation address emphasises high‑yield seedlings, post‑harvest improvements, irrigation expansion and credit support for commercial farmers. These measures, coupled with the integration of UCDA's functions into the Ministry of Agriculture, underpin the structural push to upscale the sector. Uganda remains one of Africa's leading coffee exporters, trailing Ethiopia, and coffee accounts for nearly 20% of its export revenue. In the May crop, European countries continued to dominate the demand landscape—with Italy, Germany and Spain among the main markets—though exports to Sudan, Algeria and other African destinations also showed clear growth. This rise in coffee export receipts has contributed to macro‑economic resilience. April data showed Uganda's merchandised export earnings rose to US$1.11 billion, with coffee alone contributing over US$214 million—a jump of 153% compared with April 2024. That month, the trade deficit narrowed sharply, falling from US$303 million to US$127 million. According to the USDA's FAS Nairobi report, production is projected to grow modestly through the 2025/26 marketing year, with estimates of green‐bean output for 2024/25 at 6.7 million bags and anticipated growth to 6.88 million bags in 2025/26, supported by good weather and improved crop management. One of the sector's evolving trends is the rise of women-led initiatives. In Sironko district, the Bayaaya Specialty Coffee cooperative has expanded membership to over 600 women—about 75% of participants—by offering incentives for female growers and aiming to rebalance gender dynamics in the value chain. The group's structure promotes shared decision‑making, enabling women to invest in household expenses and gain autonomy. Given the sustained global demand, strong yield improvements, supportive government policies and growing diversification among exporters and producers, Uganda appears poised to further strengthen its coffee sector contributions. The country has ambitions to scale annual coffee export value from the current US$2 billion towards a target range of US$4 billion. Continued monitoring will be needed around price volatility, global supply dynamics, and compliance with sustainability regulations, particularly in European markets.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Avocado sector platform in Uganda to propel growth and unlock global market opportunities
Key public and private sector stakeholders convened in Kampala to validate the national avocado sector roadmap and action plan for the next three years. The milestone marks the culmination of a series of collaborative efforts led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), with support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the European Union (EU)-funded EU-East African Community (EAC) Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II). Building on the first consultative meeting held in November 2024, two informal meetings were held in February and March 2025 to review and refine the roadmap. The platform's formalization under MAAIF leadership reflects strong public-private commitment to transforming Uganda into a competitive avocado exporter. Key steps have been taken to operationalize the platform, including preparation of a draft secretariat budget and exploration of funding opportunities. A public-private partnership model is envisioned, with MAAIF hosting the platform and private sector partners supporting the secretariat. An Expression of Interest for the secretariat was shared with industry associations and will be soon finalized. MAAIF will officially activate the platform and convene its first formal meeting to elect a Chair, finalize the work plan, set key performance indicators for the platform. The Uganda Avocado Roadmap prioritizes several transformative actions.: Improved Hass seedling distribution at preferential rates; Promotion of GAP certification through avocado associations; Establishment of a hub-and-spoke model with commercial farmers and cooperatives to serve as input supply, aggregation, and learning centers; Creation of an avocado export consortium for collective international representation and standards compliance; Investment in affordable packaging solutions and cold-chain for fresh exports; Possible development of an avocado oil refinery and valorization of waste (e.g., seed husks, pulp residue) into animal feed. The validated roadmap sets a clear direction for the sector, positioning Uganda to increase avocado exports, enhance farmer livelihoods, and contribute to agro-industrial transformation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President Museveni hosts H.E Faure Gnassingbé, the President of Togo
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today hosted the President of the Republic of Togo, H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, at State Lodge, Nakasero. The two leaders held discussions on matters of mutual interest, focusing on regional security and strengthening bilateral ties. President Museveni emphasized the importance of unity among African nations in addressing security challenges and advancing development goals. Meanwhile, Togo is situated in West Africa, and it's located between Ghana and Benin, with a population of about 9.5 million people. The meeting was also attended by Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, the former Prime Minister of Uganda, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Gen. Jeje Odongo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, the Director General of the External Security Organization (ESO) and a delegation from Togo, including; Mr. Robert Dussey, the Minister of foreign Affairs. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
