Uganda has marked a major milestone in its coffee industry with the official opening of its first Single-Origin Coffee Franchise in Saudi Arabia. The event, presided over by Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo, took place in Riyadh and represents a bold step in positioning Uganda’s premium coffee on the global stage.
The new outlet, Nonda Coffee Shop and Roastery, introduces Uganda’s high-quality single-origin coffee to a cosmopolitan audience of residents, business travellers, and millions of international visitors. The franchise is the first of several outlets planned across the Kingdom, and it underscores Uganda’s commitment to value addition, export diversification, and international brand building.
The Saudi Arabian venture is part of a broader strategy by the Ugandan government and private sector to move from bulk export of raw coffee beans to marketing processed and branded Ugandan coffee directly to global consumers. Uganda’s coffee exports have continued to rise in both volume and value, reflecting the country’s growing prominence in the international market.
The franchise is backed by a partnership between Nonda Coffee and Ingazi Group International, a Saudi-based investment firm that has secured an investment license to operate in the Kingdom. In Uganda, Nonda is also spearheading the establishment of the Luwero Coffee Park in Kasana, Luwero District — a modern value-chain centre expected to process up to 35,000 metric tons of coffee annually. This development will create employment opportunities, improve processing standards, and expand market access for local farmers.
Through such ventures, smallholder farmers stand to benefit from training in quality production and post-harvest handling, enabling them to participate in higher-value segments of the coffee market. The franchise’s operations are designed to showcase Ugandan coffee as a premium, traceable, and sustainable product rather than a bulk export commodity.
The launch in Riyadh is also significant for Uganda’s international branding. It highlights the country’s ambition to move up the global value chain and establish its identity as a producer of fine Arabica and Robusta coffees with distinct regional profiles. The Middle East is an emerging growth market for specialty coffee, and Uganda’s presence there opens new trade and investment opportunities.
While the venture’s success will depend on consistent quality, reliable supply, and effective marketing, it signals an important shift in Uganda’s approach to agricultural exports. By investing in roasting, branding, and retail, Uganda is taking tangible steps toward industrialization and farmer empowerment.
With the opening of Nonda Coffee in Riyadh, Uganda has not only expanded its footprint abroad but also reaffirmed its place among the world’s key coffee-producing nations. The initiative is expected to boost exports, create jobs, and deepen the link between farmers and global consumers — a testament to Uganda’s growing influence in the international coffee industry.
