Summary:

• Uganda’s coffee exports to Turkey have surged by 2,200% from 2019 to 2024, increasing from 2,000 bags to 44,000 bags. This growth is due to the strategic efforts of the Uganda Mission in Turkey, focusing on high-quality coffee to meet Turkey’s rising demand. The increased exports are expected to significantly benefit Uganda’s economy, with projections suggesting potential revenues of USD 1.5 billion by 2025.

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Uganda’s coffee industry has achieved a remarkable milestone in the Turkish market, with exports soaring by an astounding 2,200% from 2019 to 2024. Starting from a humble 2,000 bags (120 tons) in 2019, exports surged to 44,000 bags (2,640 tons) in 2024.

This phenomenal growth is credited to the Uganda Mission in Turkey’s strategic approach to investment, trade, and tourism. By focusing on coffee, a product that Turkey cannot easily substitute, the Mission effectively tapped into Turkey’s growing demand for high-quality coffee.

“Turkey presents a significant opportunity for Ugandan coffee exporters, with its large population and expanding economy making it an attractive market,” said Counselor Julius Mwijutsya, responsible for Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Uganda Embassy in Ankara.

Mwijutsya emphasized the economic potential of Turkey and Uganda’s goal to expand its coffee exports. “Our efforts yielded impressive results, with coffee exports from Uganda to Turkey increasing from 2,000 bags in 2019 to 44,000 bags in 2024,” he noted.

Ugandan coffee has gained popularity in Turkey due to its excellent intrinsic qualities, particularly Robusta coffees like Screen 18 and Screen 15. The Uganda Embassy in Ankara has been actively promoting Ugandan coffee, participating in events such as the Coffex International Coffee Exhibition in Istanbul to raise awareness about its unique characteristics.

“Turkey’s tourism industry, with cities like Istanbul and Antalya attracting millions of visitors annually, plays a crucial role,” Mwijutsya pointed out. “Istanbul was the most visited city in the world in 2023, welcoming over 20 million tourists.”

Turkey’s coffee consumption has quadrupled in the past decade, with per capita consumption reaching 1.7 kg in 2023. This increased demand has significant economic implications for Uganda. Using the current market price in Uganda of 6,000 shillings per kilogram, the value of these exports underscores the substantial benefits of the strategic partnership between Uganda and Turkey.

“To put this achievement into perspective, the 44,000 bags of coffee translate to approximately 2,640 tons. At the current market price in Uganda, we can estimate the value of these exports, highlighting the significant economic benefits of our strategic partnership with Turkey,” said Mwijutsya, who concludes his tour of duty at the end of June 2024.

Potential revenue gains are immense, with projections suggesting Uganda’s coffee exports to Turkey could reach USD 1.5 billion by 2025, boosting Uganda’s economy and solidifying its position in the global coffee market.

Mwijutsya is confident that his successor, an experienced senior diplomat, will continue this positive trend. “Our mission’s strategic plan ensures continuity and sustained progress in our economic and commercial diplomacy efforts. With dedicated professionals leading the way, our collaboration with Turkey will thrive, driving growth and prosperity for both nations.”

Supported by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mwijutsya believes Ugandan coffee will establish a robust presence in the Turkish market, contributing to Uganda’s economic growth.