KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s total export earnings reached a record $12.7 billion in the year ending November 2025, a 33 percent increase driven by a massive surge in gold and coffee prices.
Data from the Bank of Uganda indicates that the Democratic Republic of Congo remains the country’s leading regional trade partner. Uganda exported goods valued at $625 million to the DRC during the 12-month period, maintaining its top position in Africa despite persistent security challenges along the shared border.
The DRC outperformed other traditional partners in the East African Community. Kenya followed in second place with $592.9 million in trade value, while South Sudan and Rwanda recorded $492 million and $328.4 million, respectively.
Gold and Coffee Lead Growth
While regional trade remains vital for manufactured goods, two commodities dominated the national balance sheet. Total merchandise exports rose from $8.5 billion the previous year to $12.7 billion, largely due to:
- Gold: Export earnings for the precious metal soared to $5.8 billion, a 44 percent increase from $3.3 billion the year before.
- Coffee: Revenues hit $2.4 billion, a 40 percent jump supported by high global prices and increased production volumes.
Bank of Uganda Director for Research Adam Mugume said the economy has shown resilience against global volatility. He attributed the performance to stable exchange rates and monetary policies that have balanced growth and inflation.
Manufacturing and Regional Markets
The DRC continues to be the primary consumer of Uganda’s manufactured and agricultural products. Major exports to the neighboring country include sugar, iron sheets, cement, vegetable oil and beverages.
John Bosco Lwere, an executive at the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority, noted that the DRC’s limited industrial capacity in its eastern regions creates a consistent market for Ugandan products. He added that investments in infrastructure and one-stop border posts have helped streamline trade, though informal trade remains significant.
Outside of Africa, the United Arab Emirates remains the top destination for Ugandan gold, while Italy accounts for nearly 70 percent of the country’s coffee exports.
