Uganda this week flagged off its first consignment of finished coffee to Somalia, marking a major milestone in value addition, regional trade, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The flag-off ceremony, held on the sidelines of the Uganda–Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) and Business Summit at Mestil Hotel, was witnessed by ministers and senior officials from both delegations.
The event featured the official export of Inspire Africa Coffee products to Somalia — a historic step in Uganda’s journey toward exporting processed coffee rather than raw beans.
“This moment marks a new chapter in our trade relations with Somalia and reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to value addition,” said Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, who led Uganda’s ministerial delegation. “Through such partnerships, our business communities can transform opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and ICT into tangible investments that drive job creation and shared prosperity.”
Mulimba congratulated Somalia on joining the East African Community (EAC), noting that the move strengthens regional integration and opens new markets for Ugandan goods under the Common Market framework and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Somalia’s Minister of Education, Hon. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, expressed appreciation for the growing cooperation between the two nations and lauded Uganda’s private sector for its leadership in innovation and industrialisation.
The CEO of Inspire Africa Group, Dr Nelson Tugume, described the export as “a proud moment for Uganda’s coffee industry,” emphasising the company’s vision to boost Uganda’s coffee revenue to USD 5 billion within five years through quality value addition.
“Our coffee is not just a product; it is an experience of Uganda’s soil, people, and pride,” said Dr Tugume. “This shipment symbolises Uganda’s transition from an exporter of raw materials to a global supplier of finished premium coffee.”
Inspire Africa’s flagship Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo has emerged as a hub for coffee value addition, processing, and coffee tourism. Earlier this month, the Chief Justice, Hon. Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, officiated at the official handover of the first batch of finished products from the park to the market.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the development as a demonstration of Uganda’s economic diplomacy agenda, deepening trade and investment ties across the Horn of Africa.
Celebrating Coffee Heritage Through Media and Culture
In a related development, Inspire Africa recently unveiled comedian and inspirational artist Muhereza Valentine, popularly known as Kachaina, as its Brand Ambassador for Western Uganda.
According to Inspire Africa, Kachaina embodies the passion, resilience, and excellence that define Uganda’s coffee journey. “He will inspire communities, celebrate our farmers, and champion the gospel of value addition,” the company announced.
Kachaina expressed excitement about the partnership, saying he looked forward to using his platforms to share Uganda’s coffee success story with the world. “I was astonished by the good work led by Dr Tugume and the entire Inspire Africa team. You’re doing an incredible job in adding value to coffee,” he said.
Redefining Uganda’s coffee story
As part of its media engagement, Inspire Africa also hosted the Capital Gang show live from the Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo, giving the public a behind-the-scenes look at Uganda’s growing coffee value chain.
The broadcast featured prominent guests, including Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, Hon. James Tweheyo, Hon. Ssemujju Nganda, Hon. Joseph Ochieno, and policy advisor Duncan Abigaba, alongside the Inspire Africa leadership team.
“From bean to brilliance — the Africa Coffee Park is redefining Uganda’s coffee story,” Dr Tugume told the Capital Gang panel during the tour. “This is not just about coffee; it’s about jobs, innovation, and national pride.”
Tugume said the Africa Coffee Park represents a bold step in realising Uganda’s potential as a global coffee powerhouse. “By the time the government came in to invest, I had already started on this journey of the Africa Coffee Park.”
“This is not just a business — it’s a vision for Uganda and Africa. We are showing that coffee can be more than a crop; it can be a symbol of heritage, innovation, and economic justice.”
Hon. James Tweheyo, a Member of the NRM Electoral Commission, applauded the progress of the project and urged continued investment.
“I am very glad that the park has started production. I believe there is still more to be done, and more funds must be mobilised,” Tweheyo remarked. “When you come here for the first time, the picture in your mind is not the picture you see. You might think of a coffee plantation, but when you step here, you witness value addition in action.”
Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, former Member of the East African Legislative Assembly and current NRM CEC member, emphasised the importance of research and specialisation in reaching international markets.
“The international shelf is not for everybody; it requires specialisation, research, and excellence. That’s why the Africa Coffee Park is so important — it positions Uganda to compete globally.”
Malcolm Mpamizo, a lawyer and development practitioner, echoed the sentiment, adding: “The more people get connected to this Africa Coffee Park, the more they will see it as national development, not just Nelson’s business.”
The Capital Gang hosts also praised Inspire Africa for turning Uganda’s coffee into a premium, branded export.
