Uganda's Coffee Exports to Turkey Soar as Embassy Intensifies Commercial Diplomacy Efforts

Uganda's coffee industry has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in the Turkish market, with exports increasing by an astounding 2,200% between 2019 and 2024. From a modest 2,000 bags (120 tons) in 2019, coffee exports to Turkey surged to an impressive 44,000 bags (2,640 tons) in 2024.

This significant growth is attributed to the strategic efforts of the Uganda Mission in Turkey, which has focused on boosting investment, trade, and tourism. By leveraging Uganda's premier export product—coffee—which Turkey cannot easily substitute, the Mission successfully tapped into the growing demand for high-quality coffee in the Turkish market.

"Turkey offers a significant opportunity for Ugandan coffee exporters, with its large population and growing economy making it an attractive market," said Counselor Julius Mwijutsya, in charge of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Uganda Embassy in Ankara.

He added, “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, with coffee exports from Uganda to Turkey increasing from 2,000 bags in 2019 to 44,000 bags in 2023.”

Ugandan coffee has gained popularity in Turkey due to its excellent intrinsic quality characteristics, appealing to differentiated markets. There is particularly strong demand for Robusta coffees, especially Screen 18 and Screen 15, which Uganda can supply.

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 growth would not only boost Uganda's economy but also solidify its position as a major player in the global coffee market.

The Uganda Embassy in Ankara has been actively promoting Ugandan coffee in Turkey and has participated in significant events like the Coffex International Coffee Exhibition in Istanbul. The Embassy's efforts have helped raise awareness about Ugandan coffee and its unique qualities.

"Turkey's tourism industry is particularly noteworthy, with cities like Istanbul and Antalya attracting millions of visitors each year," Counselor Mwijutsya noted. "In fact, Istanbul was the most visited

"Turkey's tourism industry is particularly noteworthy, with cities like Istanbul and Antalya attracting millions of visitors each year," Counselor Mwijutsya noted. "In fact, Istanbul was the most visited city in the world in 2023, with over 20 million tourists, followed by London, Dubai, and Antalya."

Turkey's coffee consumption has increased fourfold in the last decade, with per capita consumption reaching 1.7 kg in 2023.

This growing market presents a lucrative opportunity for Ugandan coffee exporters, who are well-positioned to meet the rising demand with their high-quality products.