DUBAI — Uganda registered a strong presence at the World of Coffee Dubai Exhibition held from January 18 to 20, as the global coffee event recorded a sharp rise in attendance, highlighting growing international interest in the coffee sector and increased African participation.
Attendance at the exhibition more than doubled from about 3,000 visitors in previous editions to over 6,000 this year, signalling heightened engagement from global buyers, roasters, and industry players.
Uganda’s participation was marked by a vibrant showcase of its diverse coffee offerings, ranging from speciality and premium grades to innovative fermented coffees.
The event was attended by Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Aisa Ismail, together with officials from the Ugandan Embassy, reflecting strong institutional backing for the country’s coffee industry and export ambitions.
“World of Coffee Dubai reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness to strengthen global coffee partnerships,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, noting that the country’s exhibitors attracted significant interest from international buyers and roasters seeking high-quality and traceable coffee.
Ugandan brands highlighted the country’s rich coffee heritage, unique growing regions, and commitment to quality and value addition. Among the exhibitors, BALAMBULI KWIGATE Coffee stood out for its exceptional promotion, drawing particular attention from visitors and industry stakeholders.
The Ministry said Uganda’s participation aligns with broader efforts to position the country as a leading coffee origin on the global stage, leveraging platforms such as World of Coffee to expand market access, build partnerships, and promote value-added coffee products.
Uganda is Africa’s leading coffee exporter and one of the world’s top producers of Robusta coffee. Officials say continued engagement in international exhibitions is key to boosting exports, attracting investment, and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global coffee value chain.