In a year that has seen global markets wobble, Uganda has quietly doubled down on one of its most precious agricultural exports: vanilla. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the country’s vanilla exports more than doubled in 2024, raking in $16.6 million, up from $7.7 million in 2023.
At a press briefing held in Kampala on Tuesday, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, described the development as a major boost for the country’s agribusiness and a strong signal that Uganda is ready to compete globally in the premium vanilla market.
“Vanilla has become one of Uganda’s most promising high-value export crops,” Kyakulaga said, addressing journalists during the declaration of the Season A harvest window, which spans from June 18 to September 18. “These record-breaking exports are not accidental. They reflect growing professionalism in the sector, tighter regulations, and meaningful partnerships at both the local and international levels.”
Uganda exported 604 metric tonnes of vanilla in 2024—more than double the 266 metric tonnes recorded in 2023. The impressive growth helps cement Uganda’s standing as the world’s second-largest vanilla producer for the second year running, trailing only Madagascar.
While vanilla may conjure images of sweet desserts and luxury perfumes in other parts of the world, in Uganda, it is fast becoming a symbol of economic resilience and opportunity. The global vanilla market has long been dominated by Madagascar, whose frequent weather disruptions and supply inconsistencies have forced international buyers to seek more stable alternatives. Uganda, with its fertile soils and increasingly organized production chain, appears ready to meet that demand.
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Kyakulaga also hinted at a bright future for the industry.
“With price recovery expected in 2025 and 2026, Uganda is strategically placed to emerge as a reliable supplier of high-quality, traceable vanilla. This is not just about exports—it’s about transforming rural economies and putting money in the pockets of our farmers,” he noted.
But the road to vanilla dominance isn’t without bumps. Kyakulaga acknowledged that while progress has been commendable, several hurdles still need to be addressed—chief among them: premature harvesting, theft, unregulated processing, and poor post-harvest handling practices.
“There’s still work to be done,” he admitted. “We need to ensure our farmers are supported with the right knowledge, tools, and incentives to maximize quality. The international market demands traceability and top-tier product standards, and we must rise to meet that expectation.”
Most of Uganda’s vanilla exports head to high-demand markets like the United States, France, and Germany—countries where consumers are increasingly leaning toward ethically sourced, high-quality ingredients.
For Uganda, vanilla is no longer just a crop—it’s a growing symbol of the country’s potential to compete on the world stage, not just in quantity, but in quality.
With the right support systems in place and continued commitment from stakeholders, Uganda may soon find itself not just catching up to Madagascar, but possibly surpassing it.
