China's zero-tariff policy opens new doors for Ugandan coffee exports: entrepreneur

He said that to meet China's standards and ensure a sustainable supply, Uganda must prepare adequately.

"We have seen countries grow and learn from each other," Tugume said, noting that more than 40 Inspire Africa staff had recently returned from China after acquiring technical skills. Another 40 employees will be sent to China to master the technologies used in coffee processing machinery.

"For our people to understand, there must be a transfer of knowledge. We have partners in China who have allowed us to get into their factories and learn how these technologies are working," he added.

Data from Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries indicate that coffee exports to China surged by 190 percent in March 2025 alone, making China Uganda's second-largest coffee market in Asia.

Earlier this month, the ministry also reported that Ugandan exporters secured deals worth $3 million at the China International Import Expo.

During the event, Uganda signed a memorandum of understanding with Cotti Coffee, a Chinese private coffeehouse brand, to promote Ugandan coffee across China. The partnership will connect Ugandan farmers and processors directly with Cotti Coffee, which operates more than 7,500 outlets in 28 countries.

Coffee remains one of Uganda's key commodities for economic transformation, with about 1.8 million households depending on the crop, according to the agriculture ministry.