Uganda’s coffee industry has experienced a significant breakthrough in the Turkish market, with exports increasing dramatically by 2,200% from 2019 to 2024. Coffee exports rose from 2,000 bags (120 tons) in 2019 to 44,000 bags (2,640 tons) in 2024. This remarkable growth is attributed to the Uganda Mission in Turkey’s strategic focus on investment, trade, and tourism.
Counselor Julius Mwijutsya, in charge of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Uganda Embassy in Ankara, highlighted the efforts made to establish a strong presence in the Turkish market. “Given Turkey’s economic potential and Uganda’s goal to expand its coffee exports, we concentrated on establishing a strong presence in the Turkish market. Our efforts yielded impressive results,” he stated.
Turkey presents a significant opportunity for Ugandan coffee exporters due to its large population and growing economy. Mwijutsya noted that the substantial increase in coffee exports to Turkey brings significant economic benefits to Uganda. By using the current market price of UGX 6,000 per kilogram, the value of the 44,000 bags of coffee can be estimated, demonstrating the economic impact of this strategic partnership.
The potential revenue gains are substantial, with estimates suggesting that Uganda’s coffee exports to Turkey could reach $1.5 billion by 2025. This increase would not only boost Uganda’s economy but also strengthen its position as a major player in the global coffee market.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Ugandan coffee has gained popularity in Turkey due to its excellent quality. There is a strong demand for Robusta coffees, particularly Screen 18 and Screen 15, which Uganda can supply. This demand was showcased at the Coffex International Coffee Exhibition in Istanbul, where the Uganda Embassy actively promoted Ugandan coffee.
“Turkey’s tourism industry is particularly noteworthy, with cities like Istanbul and Antalya attracting millions of visitors each year. Istanbul was the most visited city in the world in 2023, with over 20 million tourists,” Mwijutsya explained, adding that Turkey’s coffee consumption has quadrupled in the last decade, reaching 1.7 kg per capita in 2023.
Mwijutsya expressed confidence in his successor, an experienced senior diplomat, to continue the positive trend. “Our mission’s strategic plan is designed to ensure continuity and sustained progress in our economic and commercial diplomacy efforts. With dedicated professionals at the helm, I am assured that our collaboration with Turkey will flourish,” he said.
Supported by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Uganda Embassy aims to establish a strong presence for Ugandan coffee in the Turkish market, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth. The Embassy’s efforts in raising awareness about Ugandan coffee and its unique characteristics have been crucial in achieving this remarkable increase in exports.
