Uganda and Turkey Forge Deeper Coffee Trade Partnership

Uganda is actively expanding its global coffee footprint through a new strategic alliance with the Turkish firm Kafe Kavil. This partnership is designed to elevate Ugandan coffee exports, foster deeper economic ties between Uganda and Turkey, and increase the visibility of Ugandan coffee within Turkey’s dynamic market.

The collaboration was formally announced during a significant coffee tasting and trade event organized by the Ugandan Embassy in Turkey and Kafe Kavil.

The event provided a crucial platform for importers, roasters, potential investors, diplomats, and coffee connoisseurs to experience Uganda’s premium Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. Discussions focused on sourcing opportunities, investment prospects, and establishing enduring collaborations.

This move is particularly timely as Uganda intensifies its search for new export markets and direct trading relationships for coffee, a key foreign exchange earner for the nation.

Ugandan Ambassador to Turkey, Nusura Tiperu, highlighted the partnership as a pivotal moment in bolstering economic relations. “This collaboration establishes a direct avenue to introduce Uganda’s coffee, its rich culture, and investment potential to Turkish businesses and consumers, thereby strengthening our burgeoning commercial ties,” she stated.

Turkey has emerged as a significant, albeit non-traditional, destination for Ugandan coffee. Exports to Turkey saw a substantial increase from roughly 2,304 bags in 2024 to nearly 15,037 bags in 2025, fueled by increasing consumer demand for specialty and origin-specific coffees.

Representing Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Under Secretary Mary Orikiriza Aacha underscored coffee’s strategic importance to Uganda’s economy. She noted that this partnership with Kafe Kavil is essential for broadening market access for Ugandan coffee, aligning with Uganda’s strategy to enhance its presence in developing coffee markets through direct engagement.

Uganda’s capacity to supply both Arabica and Robusta beans year-round provides a competitive advantage internationally. Officials emphasized that the distinct flavor profiles and improving quality standards of Ugandan coffee continue to attract global buyers.

“Uganda offers diverse flavor profiles supported by strong quality assurance systems. Our Mount Elgon and Rwenzori Arabicas are known for their vibrant and full-bodied cup profiles, while our high-altitude Robusta is increasingly attracting specialty coffee interest,” said Gordon Katwirenabo, Assistant Commissioner for Quality Assurance and Value Addition.

With current annual coffee production around 9.3 million bags and ambitious targets to exceed 20 million bags by 2030 through the National Coffee Planting Programme, this partnership is poised to generate new opportunities across the coffee value chain in Turkey, from roasting to retail.

Akif Atli, Managing Director of Kafe Kavil, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing Turkey’s growing interest in 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 commented.

As global coffee consumption trends shift towards specialty products, sustainability, and direct trade, Uganda is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on emerging market opportunities and elevate the international profile of its coffee industry.