Uganda's coffee industry has achieved a remarkable milestone, with exports to Turkey increasing by an astounding 2,200% between 2019 and 2024. This significant growth is attributed to strategic initiatives led by the Uganda Mission in Turkey, which has revamped its approach to investment, trade, and tourism.
From a modest 2,000 bags (120 tonnes) in 2019, Uganda's coffee exports to Turkey surged to 44,000 bags (2,640 tonnes) in 2024. This impressive rise underscores the effectiveness of the Mission's efforts to promote Uganda's primary export product—coffee—in a market where demand for high-quality coffee is booming.
"Turkey offers a substantial opportunity for Ugandan coffee exporters, with its large population and growing economy making it an attractive market," stated Julius Mwijutsya, Counselor in charge of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Uganda Embassy in Ankara. "Our focus on establishing a strong presence in the Turkish market has yielded impressive results."
Ugandan coffee has gained popularity in Turkey due to its excellent quality, with varieties such as Robusta Screen 18 and Screen 15 finding favor among Turkish consumers. The Uganda Embassy in Ankara has actively promoted this coffee, participating in key events like the Coffex International Coffee Exhibition in Istanbul, raising awareness about its unique qualities.
"Turkey's tourism industry, especially in cities like Istanbul and Antalya, draws millions of visitors each year, further boosting coffee consumption," Counselor Mwijutsya noted. In 2023, Istanbul was the most visited city in the world, attracting over 20 million tourists.
The increase in coffee exports to Turkey brings significant economic benefits to Uganda. With the current market price in Uganda at 6,000 shillings per kilogram, the value of these exports underscores the economic impact of the strategic partnership between Uganda and Turkey. Estimates suggest that Uganda's coffee exports to Turkey could reach USD 1.5 billion by 2025, bolstering Uganda's economy and solidifying its position in the global coffee market.
As Counselor Mwijutsya concludes his tenure, he expressed confidence in his successor's ability to maintain the positive trend. "Our mission's strategic plan ensures continuity and sustained progress in our economic and commercial diplomacy efforts," he said. With the support of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda is well-positioned to further strengthen its presence in the Turkish coffee market.
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