Africa’s coffee exports climbed to a record 1.18 million tonnes in 2025, underscoring the continent’s rising influence in global coffee markets even as worldwide shipments edged lower, according to the International Coffee Organization (ICO).
The surge was overwhelmingly driven by Ethiopia and Uganda, which together accounted for nearly 80% of Africa’s total exports. Ethiopia recorded a 27.3% increase in shipments to 442,200 tonnes, while Uganda posted a 29.6% rise to 495,600 tonnes, cementing its position as Africa’s leading exporter by volume.
Policy reforms and market access fuel momentum
Ethiopia’s export expansion reflects a combination of strong harvests, regulatory reforms, improved access for exporters and the release of previously held inventories. Elevated global prices also played a critical role, alongside targeted market engagement with major buyers including Germany, the United States, Saudi Arabia and China. China’s zero-tariff policy on African coffee has further strengthened demand.
Uganda’s performance was supported by favourable weather conditions, improved farm productivity and steady demand from both traditional and emerging markets.
Africa outperforms global trends
Africa’s export growth comes against a backdrop of a 0.3% decline in global coffee shipments, largely attributed to weaker output in South America. The divergence highlights Africa’s growing resilience and expanding role in stabilising global supply.
Arabica prices reflected tight market conditions, rising 51% year-on-year to $8.26 per kilogram by the end of September 2025, according to ICO data. Strong prices have provided additional incentives for African producers to scale up output and improve quality.
Ambition to double global market share
African coffee producers currently account for 11.6% of global exports, but industry stakeholders are targeting a rise to 20% by 2030. Expansion plans are already underway across the continent, with Tanzania launching a strategy in 2025 to quadruple coffee production by 2030, while Kenya and other producers are modernising auction systems and investing in value-chain upgrades.
Outlook
With supportive pricing, improving policy frameworks and growing demand from diversified markets, Africa’s coffee sector is entering a phase of accelerated growth. Sustaining this momentum will depend on continued investment in productivity, logistics, climate resilience and value addition — key pillars if the continent is to convert export growth into long-term farmer incomes and trade competitiveness.