Uganda has recorded a sharp surge in export revenues, with earnings for October 2025 nearly doubling compared to the same month in the previous year, driven largely by robust coffee and gold exports. According to data released by the Bank of Uganda, export receipts climbed to $606 million in October, up from approximately $336 million in October 2024, underscoring a significant rebound in key foreign exchange earners for the East African economy.
The growth was propelled by a combination of higher volumes and better global prices for Uganda’s principal exports. Coffee, the country’s top foreign exchange earner, benefited from sustained global demand, while gold exports surged as international prices remained elevated amid continued investor interest in safe-haven assets. These gains helped offset weaker performances in other traditional export commodities.
Bank of Uganda’s statistics also show that other agricultural products, minerals and manufactured goods contributed to the broader export mix, though coffee and gold clearly dominated the gains. Economists say the increase in export earnings has helped strengthen the country’s external position, ease pressure on foreign exchange markets and bolster foreign reserves.
While the October performance represents a positive development for Uganda’s external sector, analysts caution that sustaining export growth will depend on continued diversification, value-addition in key sectors, and structural reforms to improve competitiveness. For coffee and gold, supportive policies that enhance quality, refine supply chains and expand access to premium markets could further consolidate Uganda’s export base in the medium term.
