Uganda has been selected as one of the five coffee-growing nations to benefit from a €700 million value addition initiative funded by the Italian government. The announcement was made by Stefano Gator, Director-General of the Italian Development Cooperation, during a high-level meeting with Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, in Italy.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the coffee value chain in selected countries, is part of Italy’s broader efforts to strengthen economic ties and promote sustainable development in Africa. The funding will be allocated towards modernizing coffee processing facilities, improving quality control, and fostering innovation in the coffee sector. It will also support smallholder farmers by providing access to advanced agricultural techniques and resources, thereby increasing their productivity and income.
Prime Minister Nabbanja, who is on an official visit to Italy, expressed her gratitude for Uganda’s inclusion in this prestigious program. She highlighted the importance of coffee to Uganda’s economy, noting that it is one of the country’s leading export commodities and a crucial source of livelihood for millions of Ugandans.
“The Italian government’s support is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between our countries and our shared commitment to sustainable development,” Nabbanja said. “This initiative will not only boost Uganda’s coffee industry but also contribute to the broader goals of poverty reduction and economic growth.”
Stefano Gator emphasized that the selection of Uganda was based on the country’s potential to significantly increase its coffee production and export capacity with the right investments. He also noted that the initiative aligns with Italy’s goals of promoting fair trade and supporting the development of value-added products in the global coffee market.
The other four countries selected for this initiative include Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, and Brazil. Each of these nations, like Uganda, is renowned for its coffee production and is poised to benefit from enhanced value addition processes.
This initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on Uganda’s coffee industry, enabling it to compete more effectively in the global market and deliver higher returns to farmers. The Italian government’s commitment to this program underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and promoting shared prosperity.
