Africa Coffee Park to Host High-Level Roundtable on Coffee-Led Industrialisation, Tourism and Investment

Uganda is set to bring together senior government officials, policymakers, diplomats, business leaders and tourism industry players for a high-level roundtable aimed at positioning coffee as a driver of industrialisation, tourism, investment and global commercial diplomacy.

 

The second edition of the roundtable, themed “One Table: Defining the Africa We Want,” will take place on November 13 and 14, 2026, at the Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamaire, Ntungamo District.

 

The discussions will focus on how Uganda and Africa can move beyond the traditional production and export of raw agricultural commodities towards greater value addition, industrial development and stronger participation in international markets.

 

The meeting will bring together representatives from key government institutions, including the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Education and Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as the National Planning Authority, Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority.

 

Among the expected participants are the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Dr Ramathan Ggoobi; Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna; Minister of State for Trade, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi; Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon. Desire Muhooza; and Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Jonard Asiimwe.

 

The private sector and tourism industry will also be represented by business leaders including Dr Nelson Tugume, Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Africa Group, tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa and Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa.

 

The participation of senior officials from the Office of the President, Uganda’s diplomatic missions and economic agencies is expected to bring a broader policy and international trade perspective to the discussions.

 

At the centre of the roundtable is the question of how coffee can become more than an agricultural export. Uganda is one of Africa’s leading coffee producers, but the opportunity lies in developing stronger domestic processing capacity, expanding locally manufactured coffee products, creating jobs and retaining a greater share of the value generated along the international coffee supply chain.

 

The tourism dimension is equally significant. By integrating coffee production, processing, cultural experiences and hospitality, Uganda could develop coffee tourism as an additional attraction for both domestic and international visitors.

 

The choice of the Africa Coffee Park as the venue provides a practical setting for these discussions. Located in Rwashamaire, Ntungamo District, the facility brings together coffee production, processing and value addition, illustrating the potential of linking agriculture with manufacturing and tourism.

 

The roundtable will therefore seek to connect policy, investment, entrepreneurship and international commercial relationships around a commodity that remains central to Uganda’s agricultural economy.

 

Its broader ambition is to explore how African countries can use their natural resources, local industries and strategic partnerships to build more competitive economies, create opportunities for their populations and strengthen their position in global commerce.