The highly anticipated World of Coffee Dubai 2025 trade show opened its doors this week, bringing together coffee enthusiasts, producers, and industry leaders from around the globe. One of the standout exhibitors this year was Uganda, led by Inspire Africa, showcasing the country’s rich coffee heritage and its rising prominence in the global coffee trade.
Uganda’s pavilion, powered by Inspire Africa, captivated visitors with its premium Arabica and robusta beans, known for their bold flavors and complex profiles. Inspire Africa, a key player in promoting Ugandan coffee, emphasized its commitment to empowering smallholder farmers, sustainable practices, and elevating Uganda’s coffee brand on the international stage.
“Uganda is a sleeping giant in the coffee world,” said Inspire Africa’s CEO, Nelson Tugume. “Our farmers are dedicated to producing world-class coffee, and platforms like World of Coffee allow us to tell our story and connect with global buyers.”
The Ugandan delegation included representatives from key cooperatives, exporters, and government agencies. Visitors had the chance to sample single-origin coffees from Mount Elgon, the Rwenzori Mountains, and other regions renowned for their high-altitude beans and unique microclimates.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, graced the World of Coffee event, showcasing Uganda’s excellence in coffee production and trade. Her presence underscored the government’s strong support for the coffee industry, emphasizing its vital role in Uganda’s economic growth. In her address, Nabbanja highlighted Uganda’s potential to become a top-tier global coffee exporter and praised initiatives like Inspire Africa for creating new opportunities for farmers. “Uganda’s coffee is more than a product—it’s a story of resilience, heritage, and innovation,” Nabbanja stated.
Industry experts attending the trade show praised Uganda’s quality improvements in recent years. The country’s coffee sector, driven by public-private partnerships and initiatives like those led by Inspire Africa, has experienced remarkable growth in both production and exports.
Additionally, Inspire Africa highlighted initiatives to increase women’s participation in the coffee value chain and enhance youth involvement, key elements in ensuring the sustainability of the industry.
The World of Coffee Dubai trade show continues to be a crucial platform for building relationships, fostering innovation, and promoting diversity within the coffee industry. With its strong showing this year, Uganda is solidifying its place as a leader in African specialty coffee.
The exhibition will run through the end of the week, featuring coffee tastings, workshops, and networking events designed to bridge the gap between producers and consumers in the global coffee market.