Uganda’s coffee industry has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in the Turkish market, with exports increasing by an astounding 2,200% from 2019 to 2024. Starting from a modest 2000 bags (120 tons) in 2019, the coffee exports to Turkey soared to 44,000 bags (2,640 tons) in 2024.
This impressive growth is credited to the strategic efforts of the Uganda Mission in Turkey, which shifted its focus on investment, trade, and tourism. By emphasizing Uganda’s primary export product—coffee—which Turkey cannot easily substitute, the Mission tapped into the growing demand for high-quality coffee in the Turkish market.
“Turkey presents a significant opportunity for Ugandan coffee exporters, with its large population and expanding economy making it an appealing market,” stated Counselor Julius Mwijutsya, who oversees Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Uganda Embassy in Ankara.
He further added, “Considering Turkey’s economic potential and Uganda’s goal to increase its coffee exports, we focused on establishing a robust presence in the Turkish market. Our efforts paid off significantly, with coffee exports from Uganda to Turkey rising from 2000 bags in 2019 to 44,000 bags in 2024.”
Ugandan coffee has gained popularity in Turkey due to its excellent intrinsic quality characteristics, particularly in differentiated markets. There is a strong demand for Robusta coffees, especially Screen 18 and Screen 15, which Uganda is well-positioned to supply.
The Uganda Embassy in Ankara has actively promoted Ugandan coffee in Turkey, participating in the Coffex International Coffee Exhibition in Istanbul. These efforts have significantly raised awareness about the unique qualities of Ugandan coffee.
“Turkey’s tourism industry is particularly notable, with cities like Istanbul and Antalya attracting millions of visitors each year,” noted Counselor Mwijutsya. “In fact, Istanbul was the most visited city in the world in 2023, with over 20 million tourists, followed by London, Dubai, and Antalya.”
The country’s coffee consumption has quadrupled in the last decade, with per capita consumption reaching 1.7 kg in 2023.
This significant increase in coffee exports to Turkey brings substantial economic benefits to Uganda. Using the current market price in Uganda of 6000 shillings per kilogram, the value of these exports can be estimated, underscoring the economic benefits of the strategic partnership between Uganda and Turkey.
“To put this achievement into perspective, consider the volume and value of these exports. The 44,000 bags of coffee translate to approximately 2,640 tons. Using the current market price in Uganda of 6000 shillings per kilogram, we can estimate the value of these exports. This highlights the significant economic benefits of our strategic partnership with Turkey,” said Mwijutsya, who concludes his tour of duty at the end of June 2024.
The potential revenue gains are substantial, with estimates suggesting that Uganda’s coffee exports to Turkey could reach USD 1.5 billion by 2025. This would not only boost Uganda’s economy but also solidify its position as a major player in the global coffee market.
Mwijutsya believes his successor, an experienced senior diplomat, will continue this progressive 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 confident that our collaboration with Turkey will flourish, driving growth and prosperity for both nations,” he said.
With the support of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he believes Ugandan coffee can firmly establish a strong presence in the Turkish market, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth.
