Algeria eyes Uganda’s coffee, dairy products
Part of the Port of Algiers in Algeria.
Uganda is poised to strengthen its trade ties with Algeria, leveraging its agricultural production to meet growing demand in North Africa. During a high-level meeting between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Algeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Youcef Cherfa, discussions focused on boosting exports of coffee and milk while exploring imports of Algerian products, signalling a new chapter in Uganda-Algeria economic relations.
A press release from State House said the meeting took place on the side-lines of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) at Speke Resort Munyonyo recently.
Highlighting recent trade developments, Cherfa revealed that Algeria has begun importing Ugandan coffee. “The last contract, signed at the end of 2024, secured 800 tonnes, with the first shipment expected in February 2025. We are prepared to import 20,000 tonnes annually moving forward,” Cherfa stated.
- Uganda exported approximately 6.5 million 60-kg bags of coffee in the 2023/24 financial year, earning USD 850 million, and Algeria’s interest is expected to contribute significantly to further growth.
The milk trade, however, has lagged behind despite Algeria’s willingness to import though Algeria is a major importer of dairy products, importing over USD 1 billion worth annually, making this a significant missed opportunity for Ugandan producers.
On the other hand, Uganda is looking to expand its imports from Algeria, particularly of agricultural machinery, fertilizers, and processed food products. Algeria, a significant producer of these goods, offers competitive pricing that aligns with Uganda’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector. The potential for increased trade in these areas underscores the mutual benefits of closer economic ties.
- To resolve milk trade challenges, the Algerian government has pledged to enhance communication and provide guidance to Ugandan companies. “We will consult again and notify Ugandan companies to ensure they understand the process, as instructed by President Tebboune,” Cherfa added.
President Museveni assured the Algerians that the milk trade concerns would be addressed. “I will follow up with the Ugandan milk companies to understand why they did not respond,” he said. He emphasized Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its trade relationship with Algeria and increasing the volume of exports to diversify markets for Ugandan products.
“We fought for freedom, and we must ensure that it translates into peace, prosperity, and democracy for all Africans,” Museveni added, underlining the importance of economic partnerships in fostering continental development.
With Algeria committing to importing 20,000 tonnes of Ugandan coffee annually and working to overcome milk trade barriers, the bilateral relationship between the two nations is set to grow stronger.
On the other hand, Uganda’s potential imports of fertilizers and agricultural machinery from Algeria promise to enhance its agricultural productivity.
- The discussions also highlighted the broader vision for Africa’s unity and development, with President Museveni reaffirming his commitment to both trade growth and peacebuilding efforts across the continent.