Uganda Hosts Crucial Coffee Summit For African Nations Ahead Of EUDR Implementation – CoffeeTalk

Uganda is hosting representatives from over 25 African coffee-producing countries at a high-stakes conference in Kampala to fast-track compliance with the European Union’s Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), a policy that threatens to lock out non-compliant exporters from the EU market by December 30, 2025. The risk of exclusion poses not just an economic threat but a human one, as analysts warn the regulation could deepen poverty and increase vulnerability in rural communities unless urgent action is taken.

Africa contributes around 25% of coffee imported into the EU, and in 2023 alone produced roughly 13 million 60-kilogramme bags—about 10% of global output. Nearly 60% of Africa’s exports, or 7.8 million bags, are destined for Europe, making compliance with the EUDR crucial for the continent’s smallholder-driven coffee sector.

Despite ongoing investments and reforms, challenges such as limited traceability, poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and low awareness among farmers still hamper readiness. The EU is committed to a collaborative rather than punitive approach, aiming to engage in all value chains, minimize environmental pressure, collaborate, and learn from other countries’ approaches.

At the national level, Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries says it has made significant strides to prepare for the transition. Dr Gerald Kyaalo, commissioner for coffee development, said the government had already registered a large number of coffee farmers and engaged stakeholders on compliance measures. The conference is focused on assessing Africa’s readiness for the new trade environment, identifying practical challenges, and laying out a roadmap for timely compliance.

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