Business 12 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Sweden Allocates Shs1.5 Billion to Empower Ugandan Youth in Coffee Sector
Sweden has provided €360,000 (approximately Shs1.5 billion) through SIDA to Fairtrade Africa for a two-year project promoting youth involvement in Uganda's coffee cooperatives. The initiative targets 500 young people in three Fairtrade-certified cooperatives to support the sector's growth toward a 20 million bag production goal by 2030. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/sweden-injects-shs1-5-billion-to-boost-youth-in-uganda-coffee-sector-5389528
Sweden has committed €360,000, equivalent to about Shs1.5 billion, to enhance youth participation in Uganda’s coffee value chain. The funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) supports a two-year program led by Fairtrade Africa.
The project aims to engage at least 500 young individuals across three Fairtrade-certified cooperatives: Kasaali Farmers Cooperative, Bukonzo Organic Farmers Cooperative, and Bushika Integrated Coffee Farmers Cooperative.
Launched on March 12 in Wakiso District, the initiative was highlighted by Sweden’s Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Hakansson. She emphasized the need for inclusive structures to give youth a voice in decision-making for a sustainable coffee industry. Hakansson pointed out that many youths are exiting agriculture due to a lack of awareness about coffee sector opportunities.
Uganda currently produces around 8.2 million 60kg bags of coffee yearly and leads Africa in exports, generating vital foreign exchange. The government targets 20 million bags by 2030, but most farmers are over 60, making youth involvement essential.
Rauben Keimutsya, Assistant Commissioner for Coffee Productivity at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, stressed the urgency of attracting youth, who form over 70% of the population. The 2025–2028 coffee strategy seeks to boost cooperative membership from 20% to 80%.
Faith Muthoni, Fairtrade Africa’s Operations Manager for Eastern and Central Africa, noted that the project will build youth capacity, foster civic engagement, and expand partnerships to shift perceptions about agriculture.
Hakansson also called for increased domestic coffee consumption to boost interest in production.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)