With support from the EU–EAC MARKUP II Programme implemented by the International Trade Centre in partnership with the East African Community, Uganda’s East Africom Consults is increasing exports, creating jobs for youth and women, and connecting hundreds of farmers to growing coffee markets.
Connecting Farmers to Global Coffee Markets
In the rolling coffee hills of Nyakishenyi Rukungiri District in southwestern Uganda, smallholder farmers rely on coffee as a key source of income. For East Africom Consults, a growing Ugandan coffee enterprise founded by Frank Asiimwe and Nicolas Babigumira, connecting these farmers to reliable markets has become both a business opportunity and a mission.
The company exports green coffee beans to international markets including Kenya, Italy, China, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. East Africom Consults sources coffee from about 300 smallholder farmers, helping link rural producers to regional and international buyers.
While about 20% of the company’s coffee is exported directly, the majority reaches global markets through partnerships with exporting companies such as the National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses and Farm Enterprises (NUCAFE).
Overcoming Barriers to Growth
Like many small and medium-sized enterprises in the coffee sector, East Africom Consults faced challenges in scaling its operations and expanding exports.
Limited knowledge of international market requirements, packaging standards and digital marketing tools made it difficult for the company to reach new buyers and strengthen its presence in global markets. The company also sought to improve internal systems, adopt more inclusive employment practices and explore opportunities for value addition beyond trading green coffee.
Support Through the EU–EAC MARKUP II Programme
To address these challenges, East Africom Consults received targeted support through the EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II), funded by the European Union under Global Gateway is implemented by the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat and national partners in the recipient countries.
Through the programme, the company participated in a range of capacity-building initiatives including the Export Accelerator Programme, packaging and branding training, coaching on non-tariff measures and market analysis, and training on e-commerce, digitalization and digital marketing. The company also benefited from gender-responsive business training and an access-to-finance boot camp.
Exposure to international business events and learning platforms, including participation in China Expo and SME training in South Africa, provided insights into export market trends and buyer expectations.
These activities encouraged the company to rethink how it markets its coffee and engages with customers.
“We changed the way we market our coffee by shifting to digital marketing through our website and platforms like Alibaba. This has improved our visibility and enabled online trading through our website,” the company noted.
Expanding Markets and Adding Value
The support has already translated into tangible business growth.
East Africom Consults increased its export volume of green coffee beans from five metric tonnes in 2024 to 14 metric tonnes in 2025. Over the same period, sales rose from $58,280 in 2024 to $77,700 in 2025, bringing total sales for the two years to $135,980.
The company has also begun diversifying beyond green coffee exports. Following training on packaging and value addition, East Africom Consults introduced roasted and ground coffee products, selling 800 kilograms in 2025 and generating $10,650 in additional revenue.
Improved marketing and market visibility have also helped the company secure new buyers.
“We have also gained new buyers in Uganda for indirect exports in 2025, including two new clients who now source coffee from us for international markets,” the company said.
The business has also established relationships with restaurants and retail outlets including Café Javas and Java House coffee shops in Uganda.
Creating Jobs and Opportunities
As the company grows, so too does its impact on the local community. East Africom Consults has expanded its workforce and adopted more gender-responsive employment practices. Today, the company employs seven full-time staff members and hires additional casual workers during peak periods.
Notably, 50% of the new jobs created have gone to women, many of whom are youth under the age of 35. The company has also made efforts to ensure inclusive employment practices that consider the needs of women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Beyond employment, the company’s expansion is creating new opportunities across the coffee value chain. About 300 farmers now supply coffee to East Africom Consults, benefiting from increased market access and growing demand.
Looking Ahead
With stronger export readiness, improved digital marketing and growing demand for its coffee, East Africom Consults is now better positioned to expand in regional and international markets.
For the company’s founders, continued growth means not only building a successful business but also strengthening opportunities for farmers and young workers in south western Uganda’s coffee sector. Through improved market connections and ongoing investment in quality and value addition, the company aims to bring even more Ugandan coffee to global buyers in the years ahead.
