Uganda Turns to Vietnam for Coffee Value Chain Investment

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 17, 2026

Uganda is seeking greater Vietnamese investment in its coffee industry after the two countries signed a cooperation agreement to develop the coffee value chain, as Kampala looks to expand value addition and technology partnerships in one of its key export sectors.

The Collaboration Agreement on Coffee Value Chain Development was signed during the Pearl of Africa Business Forum – Vietnam Chapter in Hanoi, bringing together more than 300 government officials, business leaders, investors, researchers and development partners.

The agreement provides a framework for cooperation across the coffee value chain. The two sides also discussed opportunities in agricultural mechanisation, agro-processing, livestock, fisheries, cold-chain systems, research and technology.

Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, said the country’s engagement with Vietnam should move beyond diplomatic discussions towards practical partnerships and technology transfer that improve returns for farmers and businesses.

Trade between the two countries has also expanded. Figures presented at the forum showed bilateral trade rising from 28.6 million US dollars in 2024 to 53.4 million US dollars in 2025.

Separate figures presented during the engagement put annual trade at about 95.47 million US dollars, comprising 49.85 million US dollars in Ugandan exports to Vietnam and 45.62 million US dollars in imports.

Vietnamese investment in Uganda was estimated at about 40 million US dollars. Ba Dinh JSC’s 35 million US dollar gold exploration project was cited among the investments, alongside ATAD Steel’s construction-related investment of about 500,000 US dollars.

Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Anh Tuan said the economic relationship had yet to reach its full potential, calling for the two countries to use their political ties to expand commercial cooperation.

He said Vietnam was seeking an “equal, trustworthy, sharing, and mutually beneficial partnership” with Uganda.

The two countries are also exploring opportunities beyond agriculture. They agreed to develop two ICT pilot proposals within 90 days, with potential areas including digital payments, agricultural traceability and business-process outsourcing.

Uganda’s High Commissioner to Thailand, Betty Oyella Bigombe, encouraged Vietnamese companies to invest and produce in Uganda and use the country as a gateway to wider African markets. She pointed to Uganda’s agricultural potential, natural resources, young population and access to regional markets.

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry also called for continued engagement between businesses. Its vice-chairman, Nguyen Quang Vinh, said the forum should facilitate business matching, identify specific areas of cooperation and help establish commercial partnerships.

The coffee agreement gives Uganda and Vietnam a defined area for expanding cooperation, while the proposed ICT pilots and discussions on agro-processing and agricultural technology could broaden the relationship into other sectors.

Source: FSX Business News