Africa produced on the order of 19–21 million 60‑kg bags of green coffee in the last two coffee years (2022/23 and 2023/24). Arabica dominates in East Africa, while West/Central Africa produces mainly Robusta. For 2022/23 vs. 2023/24, leading producers included:
- Ethiopia (Arabica): ~7.30 millions → 9.13 millions bags (all Arabica).
- Uganda (mainly Robusta, some Arabica): 6.565 millions → 6.400 millions bags.
- Tanzania (Arabica & Robusta): 1.20 millions → 1.35 millions bags.
- Côte d’Ivoire (Robusta): 1.02 millions → 1.325 millions bags.
- Kenya (Arabica): 0.750 millions → 0.825 millions bags.
Smaller but significant producers include Cameroon, DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Madagascar. These five countries alone accounted for roughly 18–21 million bags (over 90%) of Africa’s output in this period. (For example, Uganda’s exports reached 7.77 millions bags in FY2024/25, yielding US$2.22 billion.) In total, Africa contributes on the order of 10–12% of global coffee production, with Africa’s share rising slightly from 2022 to 2023.
Both washed (wet) and natural (dry) processes are used, varying by region and crop type. In East Africa, Arabica coffees are predominantly washed: for example, nearly 100% of Kenyan and Rwandan coffees are wet-processed (Burundi ~70–80% washed). Ethiopia is known for both styles, but only about 29% of its coffee is wet-processed nationally (the rest is sun-dried natural). In Tanzania ~90% of arabica is washed, with a small share processed natural. By contrast, Robusta coffees across Africa are mostly sun-dried: e.g. Côte d’Ivoire robusta is almost entirely natural-processed. Similarly, Ugandan and Tanzanian robusta are rarely washed (dried on tarps then hulled). Honey and other experimental fermentations exist on a niche basis, but wash vs. natural dominate.
Several sustainability and quality certifications are common. Organic certification is growing in East Africa: Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have rising numbers of organic producers. In fact, ~90% of Ethiopia’s coffee is grown under organic conditions, though few smallholders obtain formal certification due to cost. (Africa had about 361,600 ha of coffee in conversion or certified organic by 2018, with Ethiopia’s 161k ha accounting for most of the 59,000 tonnes of organic output.) Fairtrade/FT is also widely applied: Africa hosts 37% of all Fairtrade producer organizations (701 groups in 29 countries, representing 1.4 million farmers). In 2023 these earned €73.6 million in Fairtrade Premiums (coffee was ~7% of that total). Many East African cooperatives and estates are Fairtrade-certified. Rainforest Alliance/UTZ has become common too: globally over 400,000 coffee producers are RA‑certified (many smallholders in East Africa). Other marks (4C, organic, Bird-Friendly, etc.) are used on specialty lots.
African coffee flows mainly to Europe and the Americas, with growing Asian demand. Historically over 40% of African coffee exports have gone to the EU, with the USA second-largest. In 2023 the European Union and the United States were the world’s largest coffee importers. Leading destinations include Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands in Europe; the US; and Japan for some East African coffees. However, Asian markets are expanding rapidly: China, India and other Asian buyers are taking more African coffee. For example, Uganda recently reported Italy and Germany as top markets (EU) and is also exporting growing volumes to India and China. East Africa’s specialty arabicas often go to EU and US specialty roasters. West/Central African robustas typically enter European instant-coffee and latte-blend supply chains. In FY2024/25 Uganda exported 7.77 millions bags (~$2.22 billion), mainly to EU and Asian destinations. Overall, Europe (especially the EU) remains the largest market region for African coffee, followed by North America, though China’s recent tariff cuts (to 53 African countries) are making China an increasingly important buyer.
Coffee beans and by-products from Africa serve diverse industries. The primary use is as beverage beans: roasted Arabica and Robusta for hot-drink coffees (drip, espresso, instant). Much of Africa’s robusta is processed into instant (freeze-dried or spray-dried) coffee for global brands, while its Arabicas supply premium and specialty brews. Beyond beverages, food and flavor use is widespread: coffee flavoring appears in ice-creams, confectionery (brownies, chocolates), sauces and marinades.
The cosmetic/personal-care sector increasingly uses coffee ingredients: caffeine and coffee oil (rich in antioxidants) appear in skin creams, body scrubs, and anti-cellulite products. Coffee extracts and oils are valued for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting properties (e.g. in sunscreens and anti-aging serums).
In nutraceuticals and pharma, caffeine and green-coffee extracts are used in dietary supplements, energy drinks, and weight-loss products.
Finally, coffee by-products are valorized (circular uses): husks, pulp and silverskins contain fiber and bioactive compounds. These can be fermented or extracted into flavor compounds, organic acids, enzymes, prebiotics, antioxidants and caffeine. For instance, advanced extraction recovers caffeine and polyphenols efficiently. Spent grounds and pulp can be used in animal feed or compost. In summary, African coffee not only fuels the beverage industry but also underpins a variety of food, cosmetic, and bio-based products through extraction of its functional compounds.
MO AND TIBA UGANDA LIMITED in partnership with Adalidda supplies premium African Arabica and Robusta coffee to importers and manufacturers worldwide. We offer shipments from 20 × twenty-foot containers per month (or on a spot basis), packed to your specifications for safe, cost-efficient transport. For competitive quotes, product specifications (COA, spec sheet) and long-term supply arrangements, please contact our sales team.
Adalidda
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Bibliography
Production and export data are from USDA and FAO reports; processing and certification details are from industry and NGO reports; uses are documented in food-science reviews.
https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/coffee.pdf
Uganda’s annual coffee exports earn Shs 8 trillion - The Cooperator News
https://thecooperator.news/ugandas-annual-coffee-exports-earn-shs-8-trillion/
Coffee processing in East Africa: A guide - Perfect Daily Grind
https://perfectdailygrind.com/2021/12/coffee-processing-in-east-africa-a-guide/
A guide to the coffee sector in Côte d’Ivoire - Perfect Daily Grind
https://perfectdailygrind.com/2022/07/guide-to-coffee-sector-in-cote-divoire/
Farmers look to organic certified coffee for higher earnings in Africa - Tea & Coffee Trade Journal
Monitoring the scope and benefits of Fairtrade: Africa and the Middle East regional report, 16th edition
https://www.fairtrade.net/en/get-involved/library/africa-middle-east-monitoring-report-16th-ed.html
Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee | Rainforest Alliance
https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/insights/rainforest-alliance-certified-coffee/
Adverse climatic conditions drive coffee prices to highest level in years
China lifts coffee import tariffs on African nations, reshaping global trade flows - DatamarNews
Uganda Becomes Africa’s Top Coffee Exporter
https://furtherafrica.com/2025/06/27/uganda-becomes-africas-top-coffee-exporter-surpassing-ethiopia/
Green valorization of coffee industry residues: Emerging innovations and their role in sustainable food and feed applications - ScienceDirect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277250222500486X
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