Uganda, April 21 -- Uganda is considering phasing out exports of unprocessed coffee in favour of local value addition, a shift private sector leaders say could reshape farmer earnings, job creation and the structure of the country's coffee value chain.

The move, being pursued alongside efforts to attract foreign investment, is aimed at expanding domestic processing, retaining more economic value within the country and boosting industrial activity in the sector.

The chief executive officer of the Private Sector Foundation, Mr Stephen Asiimwe, said processing coffee locally would ensure that key activities such as blending, packaging, storage and logistics remain within Uganda instead of being carried out abroad.

"Once you add value here...