Uganda urges direct coffee trade with Azerbaijan

Uganda has called for the establishment of direct trade links between its coffee exporters and Azerbaijan, arguing that eliminating intermediaries would allow both sides to better benefit from bilateral trade.

Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, Adonia Ayebare, made the remarks in an online address at a conference marking Africa Day 2026, titled “Rising Continent, Emerging Partnerships,” held in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

According to Ayebare, Uganda’s coffee exports to Azerbaijan currently pass through third-party intermediaries, a structure he said should be revised.

“Uganda is one of the largest coffee producers in Africa. We have found out that Azerbaijan buys Ugandan coffee through intermediaries. I think this needs to be corrected,” Ayebare noted.

He said establishing direct commercial links would improve efficiency and mutual economic gains for both countries.

“Establishing direct contacts between coffee exporters from Uganda and the Azerbaijani side will allow both countries to directly benefit from trade,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted broader improvements in relations between Azerbaijan and African states in recent years, attributing part of this development to growing South–South cooperation.

“The current international economic and geopolitical situation requires closer cooperation among countries of the Global South,” Ayebare emphasized.

He further pointed to Azerbaijan’s engagement in the Non-Aligned Movement and said the country’s hosting of COP29 had helped strengthen ties with African partners.

By Sabina Mammadli