In a momentous achievement, Ugandan coffee industry has achieved a groundbreaking 2200% surge in exports to the Turkish market, marking a significant economic milestone for the country’s coffee sector.
Driven by a focused strategy on leveraging Uganda’s renowned coffee production, the mission successfully tapped into Turkey’s burgeoning demand for high-quality coffee, catapulting exports from a modest 2000 bags in 2019 to an impressive 44,000 bags in 2024.
Seizing opportunity
Counselor Julius Mwijutsya, overseeing Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Uganda Embassy in Ankara, underscores the vast potential of Turkey as a lucrative market for Ugandan coffee exporters, attributing the success to strategic efforts in establishing a formidable presence in the Turkish coffee landscape.
Ugandan coffee has garnered acclaim in Turkey for its exceptional quality characteristics, particularly robusta varieties like Screen 18 and Screen 15 that cater to discerning coffee markets.
Quality reigns
The Uganda Embassy in Ankara has actively championed Uganda’s coffee at international platforms like the Coffex International Coffee Exhibition in Istanbul, raising awareness about the unique attributes of Ugandan coffee.
Counsellor Mwijutsya highlights Turkey’s vibrant tourism industry and its impact on coffee consumption, with Istanbul emerging as a global tourism hub and a significant market for Ugandan coffee.
The exponential growth in coffee exports to Turkey not only holds substantial economic benefits for Uganda but also positions the country as a key player in the global coffee market, with potential revenue gains forecasted to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2025.
As Counselor Mwijutsya concludes his tenure, he expresses confidence in the continuation of Uganda’s progressive trajectory in the Turkish market, emphasizing the strategic collaboration between Uganda and Turkey for mutual growth and prosperity.
Continuity and Collaboration
With unwavering support from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ugandan coffee industry is poised to make a lasting impact in Turkey, contributing to the country’s economic development and strengthening bilateral ties.
