Uganda’s ambassador to Moscow, Moses Kizige, reported that Ugandan coffee is steadily gaining ground in the Russian market. In an interview at the Ugandan Embassy in central Moscow, Kizige emphasized the quality of Ugandan coffee as one of their major exports. He acknowledged competition from coffee-producing countries like Brazil, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia, with Ugandan coffee currently accounting for 5% of the Russian market. This Ugandan coffee primarily serves to enhance the flavor of other coffee blends, and negotiations are underway to secure more favorable trade agreements.
Kizige also pointed out the profitable opportunities for Ugandan traders, as one entrepreneur transports half a ton of coffee to Moscow weekly, reaping substantial profits due to the high demand. Furthermore, two Ugandan traders have opened coffee shops in Moscow and St. Petersburg, encouraging more to follow suit.
However, challenges remain, notably related to sanctions that restrict sea transportation, increasing overall costs. President Yoweri Museveni had previously criticized the global coffee trade for its imbalance in earnings, with Africa receiving only a small share due to exporting unprocessed coffee.
The Ugandan Embassy has been actively promoting other products besides coffee, such as cocoa, fruits, and fresh fish, which have found eager customers in Russia. The ambassador emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial trade, with Ugandan traders returning with fertilizers from Russia, and Russians exploring opportunities in Uganda.
Kizige expressed optimism about the future of trade between Uganda and Russia, hoping that progress will accelerate when the Russia-Ukraine conflict ends and sanctions are lifted. Additionally, the embassy is working to boost tourism, with an increase in Russian tourists visiting Uganda.
The Ugandan government is also fostering collaboration in various sectors, such as manufacturing, with potential partnerships between the National Enterprise Corporation of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and Kamanzi truck manufacturers to produce trucks and electric vehicles.
To facilitate trade, Kizige encouraged Ugandans to learn the Russian language, as language barriers have been a hindrance in official business. Plans are underway to organize an export forum for Russian and Ugandan traders to explore trade opportunities.
Lastly, Kizige assured Ugandans that Russia is a safe and welcoming destination for business opportunities, emphasizing the historically warm relations between the two nations, dating back to the Soviet Union days.
At the Russia-Africa Summit, Uganda celebrated various achievements, including increased scholarships and vocational education slots for Ugandan females in Russia. Both governments are collaborating to expedite projects, including a nuclear power project on the banks of the River Nile in Buyende district.
A team from Russia is expected to visit Kampala for further engagement with Ugandan government officials in the near future.
