RIMINI, ITALY
Uganda made a notable and strategic impression at SIGEP World 2026, the 47th International Trade Show held from 16 to 20 January 2026 at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy. Recognised as one of the world’s leading platforms for the coffee, cocoa, pastry, bakery, and gelato industries, SIGEP World brought together global producers, innovators, technology providers, policymakers, and development partners, offering Uganda an important stage to advance its export and value-addition agenda.
The 2026 edition showcased cutting-edge innovations in coffee and chocolate processing, artisanal and industrial bakery, and sustainable production technologies, alongside high-level discussions on global market trends, live demonstrations, and skills competitions. Participants included coffee and cocoa cooperatives from across Africa, South America, and Asia, as well as equipment manufacturers, traders, eco-technology firms, and international organizations such as UNIDO, supported by institutions including the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and AICS.
Uganda was represented by a diverse delegation drawn from government, cooperatives, and the diaspora, led by H.E. Ambassador Elizabeth Napeyok of the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Rome. Ugandan cooperatives participated under the Sustainability District, with sponsorship from ITA and support from AICS. The Uganda stall featured premium Robusta and Arabica coffee, honey, and beeswax, drawing strong visitor interest and enabling direct engagement with buyers, roasters, and technology providers.
During specialised workshops, Ugandan coffee varieties were roasted and cupped by partner exhibitors, allowing visitors to experience the quality and distinctive profiles of Uganda’s coffee firsthand. Knowledge-sharing sessions highlighted Uganda’s progress within the global coffee value chain, with presentations referencing the Mattei Plan, Italy’s trade-focused development initiative launched in 2024. Uganda’s emergence as Africa’s leading coffee exporter was cited as a practical example of how trade-driven partnerships can support economic transformation.
Ugandan cooperative representatives shared insights into ongoing research collaborations with institutions such as Bishop Stuart University, underscoring efforts to strengthen productivity, quality, and sustainability. Discussions also revealed growing interest in capacity building for value addition, particularly in barista skills, processing, and training-of-trainers models, with Italian private sector actors exploring tailored partnerships. Emerging opportunities included proposals for environmentally responsible coffee roasting at origin and market exploration for Ugandan beeswax and honey in Italy’s pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. These engagements reflected Uganda’s broader ambition to move beyond raw exports toward diversified, higher-value products.
Uganda’s participation at SIGEP World 2026 reaffirmed its growing confidence and credibility in global specialty markets. The active role of the Ugandan Mission in Rome, supported by facilitation from diaspora partners, demonstrated strong institutional commitment to advancing export-led growth through strategic international platforms.
Photo Credit: Uganda Embassy Rome
