Uganda has taken another major step in expanding its global coffee footprint through a new strategic partnership with Kafe Kavil in Ankara, Türkiye, aimed at strengthening coffee exports, deepening bilateral trade relations and increasing the visibility of Ugandan coffee in one of the region’s fastest growing coffee markets.
The partnership was officially 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.
The initiative reflects Uganda’s growing focus on building stronger direct market connections and positioning itself as a competitive origin within the global speciality coffee industry.
Speaking during the launch, Ms. Aacha Mary Orikiriza, Under Secretary representing Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, 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 60 kilogram bags of coffee annually and is targeting more than 20 million bags by 2030 through the National Coffee Planting Programme.
Türkiye has rapidly emerged as an important non traditional export destination for Ugandan coffee. Exports increased from approximately 2,304 bags in 2024 to nearly 15,037 bags in 2025, driven by growing consumer interest in speciality and origin driven coffees.
Mr. Gordon Katwirenabo, Assistant Commissioner for Quality Assurance and Value Addition, said Uganda’s ability to supply both Arabica and Robusta throughout the year continues to strengthen its appeal among international buyers.
“Uganda offers diverse flavour 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 speciality coffee interest,” he said.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, H.E. Nusura Tiperu, described the partnership as an important milestone in advancing economic and commercial cooperation 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.
With more than 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.
Kafe Kavil Managing Director Mr. 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.
As global coffee demand increasingly shifts toward speciality, sustainability and direct trade relationships, the Uganda and Kafe Kavil partnership positions Ugandan coffee for greater visibility and commercial growth across Türkiye and neighbouring markets.
