Uganda brews new coffee trade ties with Türkiye

Uganda’s coffee is likely to find a home in Turkey should the partnership being mooted by the two countries materialise.

Uganda's agriculture ministry and Kafe Kavil have launched a strategic coffee partnership in Ankara aimed at expanding Ugandan coffee exports and strengthening trade links with Türkiye.

The partnership was unveiled during a high-level coffee cupping and trade engagement hosted by the Embassy of Uganda in Ankara and Kafe Kavil.

The event brought together importers, exporters, speciality roasters, investors, diplomats and coffee professionals to experience Uganda’s premium Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties while exploring opportunities for sourcing, investment and long-term collaboration.

Speaking during the launch on May 8, 2026, agriculture ministry undersecretary Mary Aacha Orikiriza described coffee as one of Uganda’s most strategic export commodities and a key driver of economic growth.

“Uganda is strengthening its presence in emerging coffee markets through partnerships that create direct engagement between producers, buyers and consumers. This collaboration with Kafe Kavil is an important step in expanding market access for Ugandan coffee,” she said.

Uganda currently produces approximately 9.3 million 60kg bags of coffee annually and is targeting more than 20 million bags by 2030 through the National Coffee Planting Program.

Speaking during the launch on May 8, 2026, agriculture ministry undersecretary Mary Aacha Orikiriza described coffee as one of Uganda’s most strategic export commodities and a key driver of economic growth. (Credit: Prossy Nandudu)

Emerging market

Latest information on Uganda’s exports shows that Türkiye is fast emerging as an important nontraditional export destination for Ugandan coffee.  In 2024, Uganda’s coffee exports increased from 2,304 bags to nearly 15,037 bags in 2025, driven by growing consumer interest in speciality and origin-driven coffees.

Once the partnership takes effect, this will be another major step in expanding global coffee markets through strategic partnership with Kafe Kavil in Ankara, Türkiye, while deepening bilateral trade relations and increasing the visibility of Ugandan coffee in one of the region’s fastest-growing coffee markets.

Assistant commissioner for quality assurance and value addition Gordon Katwirenabo said Uganda’s ability to supply both Arabica and Robusta throughout the year continues to strengthen its appeal among international buyers.

Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Nusura Tiperu, described the partnership as an important milestone in advancing economic and commercial co-operation between Uganda and Türkiye.

“This partnership creates a direct platform to showcase Uganda’s coffee, culture and investment potential to Turkish consumers and businesses. It also strengthens the growing commercial relationship between our two countries,” she said.

Kafe Kavil Managing Director Akif Atli said the collaboration reflects growing interest within Türkiye’s coffee sector for traceable, high-quality, and origin-focused coffees.

“We see strong potential for long-term collaboration between Turkish and Ugandan coffee communities. Uganda offers exceptional coffee and an authentic origin story that resonates strongly with today’s coffee consumers,” he said.

With over 100 Turkish companies already operating in Uganda, the partnership is expected to create new opportunities across the coffee value chain, including roasting, hospitality, certification, retail distribution and value addition.