US Diplomat Explores Coffee Export Potential in Uganda

United States Chargé d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley recently toured the Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo, a significant step in Uganda’s ambition to boost its value-added coffee exports to the United States.

The 150-acre industrial hub, operated by Inspire Africa Group, showcased its advanced processing facilities, including roasting, spray-drying, and freeze-drying technologies. These processes are crucial for transforming raw coffee beans into higher-value products.

During the visit, Nelson Tugume, CEO of Inspire Africa Group, highlighted the company’s origins, noting support received from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2017. He also outlined ambitious expansion plans, with a specific focus on entering the American market, including a proposal for a coffee shop in Chicago.

Tugume also shared challenges faced by the expansion, citing travel restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak, and called for continued dialogue to ease business travel and strengthen trade relations.

Discussions between Cleverley and Tugume centered on increasing Uganda’s coffee exports to the US and deepening overall commercial cooperation. Cleverley emphasized the importance of improved air connectivity in facilitating the movement of goods and people, a key factor for enhancing bilateral trade.

This engagement aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy to expand commercial ties with the US, targeting sectors like agriculture, tourism, technology, and transport for investment and trade growth. The Africa Coffee Park’s focus on agricultural value addition, particularly in creating instant coffee, beauty products, and energy drinks, directly supports Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/374489/us-diplomat-visits-africa-coffee-park-as-uganda-eyes-expanded-coffee-exports