UGANDA – Uganda has recorded a 2,200 percent surge in coffee exports to Turkey between 2019 and 2024, rising from 2,000 bags (120 tons) in 2019 to 44,000 bags (2,640 tons) in 2024.
This remarkable growth is attributed to the strategic efforts of the Uganda Mission in Turkey to promote investment, trade, and tourism.
Uganda’s focus on coffee, a major product that Turkey cannot easily substitute, has been key to this success.
“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 further explained, “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 2024.”
Ugandan coffee has gained popularity in Turkey due to its excellent intrinsic quality characteristics, with many varieties suitable for differentiated markets. In particular, there is a strong demand for Robusta coffees, especially Screen 18 and Screen 15, which Uganda can supply.
The Uganda Embassy in Ankara has been actively promoting Ugandan coffee in Turkey, participating in events such as the Coffex International Coffee Exhibition in Istanbul. These 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 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 ten years, with per capita consumption standing at 1.7 kg in 2023. This growing demand has created a lucrative opportunity for Ugandan coffee exporters.
To illustrate the economic impact, Mwijutsya highlighted that the 44,000 bags of coffee exported to Turkey in 2024 translate to approximately 2,614 tons. Using the current market price in Uganda of 6,000 shillings (US$1.62) per kilogram, the value of these exports is substantial.
The potential revenue gains are significant, with estimates suggesting that Uganda’s coffee exports to Turkey could reach US$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.
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