Ugandans engaged in the coffee value chain abroad have been urged to return home and take advantage of the growing opportunities in Uganda’s rapidly expanding coffee sector.
They are being encouraged to bring back the expertise they have gained while working in airports, restaurants, and factories across the Middle East, Europe, and other developed nations.
This appeal was made on Thursday by renowned Ugandan artist and businessman Bebe Cool, ahead of the inaugural Coffee Marathon and Concert, scheduled to take place this weekend at the Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamaire town, Ntungamo district.
Bebe Cool highlighted some of the well-established Ugandans in the coffee industry overseas, encouraging them to seize the available incentives and contribute to the development of the local coffee sector.
Bebe Cool shared his vision for Uganda’s coffee industry, highlighting the expertise of Ugandan baristas working abroad. “I spoke to Barista Timo in Dubai, who is regarded as one of the best baristas,” he said.
He urged Ugandans in the coffee business overseas to return home, emphasizing the need to harness their skills locally. “Whoever is recording this, please send this message to Barista Timo. I want all the baristas in Dubai to come back. We will secure the necessary capital in Uganda, position them strategically, and ensure that the coffee movement gains momentum.”
He further encouraged Ugandan coffee professionals abroad to seize the opportunities available at home. “We need all our Ugandans who are experts in the coffee business to return. We will establish barista shops for them because they have acquired valuable skills abroad, and now it’s time to put them to use here.”
Weekend Activities
The Coffee Marathon and Concert will be preceded by the Africa Business Forum at the Coffee Park, set to be inaugurated by President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, on Friday, March 23.
The Africa Coffee Park, spearheaded by businessman Nelson Tugume, the proprietor of Inspire Africa Group, features a cutting-edge coffee processing plant designed to produce high-quality refined coffee products, aiming to transform Uganda’s coffee sector.
Bebe Cool has partnered with Inspire Africa Group in a campaign to boost local coffee consumption and production.
Nelson Tugume shared his vision for the Inspire Africa Coffee Park, describing it as a key driver for Uganda and Africa’s economic growth and transformation. He emphasized that the facility represents empowerment for the Black community, enabling them to take control of their own destiny and ensuring that farmers receive greater value for their coffee.
The plant is projected to expand Uganda’s coffee economy from $1 billion to $5 billion within five years. Uganda’s coffee exports have already increased from five containers per week to fifteen, partly due to Tugume’s initiative.
Inspire Africa Group plans to employ over 3,000 permanent staff and has established strategic partnerships with Russia and Turkey to enhance coffee value through technology and increased consumption.
