Rwanda’s coffee sector continues to demonstrate remarkable growth in both production and export earnings, according to recent data from the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, compared to 2023-2024, Rwanda’s coffee production increased by 25%, reaching 21,295 tons. Revenue from coffee exports also rose significantly, from $78.7 million to $116.1 million, marking a 48% increase. This growth further reinforces Rwanda’s position as a producer of high-quality coffee recognized internationally for both quality and modern processing techniques.
Speaking to the press on November 7, 2025, NAEB CEO Claude Bizimana attributed these improvements to strong collaboration with various stakeholders aimed at elevating Rwanda’s coffee standards.
He said, “We have focused on working closely with farmers, providing them with high-quality seeds, helping them access fertilizers at reduced costs, and teaching them innovative ways to cope with climate change.”
Bizimana added that NAEB’s programme includes replacing old coffee trees with new, high-yield RAB C15 varieties. “So far, more than 4,100 hectares have been replanted, with an additional 1,000 hectares planned annually.”
Jean Damascène Niyonsenga, a coffee farmer in Kamonyi District, noted that the knowledge provided to farmers, along with easier access to fertilizers, has transformed production.
He said, “We are now seeing increased yields because previously we didn’t know how to properly care for our coffee trees. Now we are seeing profits, and buyers are willing to pay good prices for our coffee.”
In the Eastern Province, NAEB, in partnership with organizations such as Tubura and CEPAR, provides fertilizers at a 50% discount. This support has significantly expanded coffee cultivation in districts such as Gatsibo, Nyagatare, and Kayonza.
Rwanda is also actively promoting its coffee in key international markets through events and trade fairs such as the World of Coffee and the Best of Rwanda Coffee Competition.
Oreste Baragahorana, CEO of the Rwanda Coffee Processors and Exporters Association, highlighted the importance of the Best of Rwanda Coffee Competition.
He said, “The competition is organized to showcase Rwandan coffee internationally. What excites us is not only the recognition for the winners, but also the opportunity it provides for other coffees that didn’t win, and for farmers who benefit from the competition, encouraging them to take better care of their coffee.”
In 2025, the competition attracted 78 buyers from 25 countries. Notably, K Organics coffee from Huye District sold for $88.18 per kilogram, the highest price in the competition’s history.
NAEB emphasizes that all coffee cultivation programmes are designed to protect the environment and promote sustainable agriculture. Each year, 18,000 liters of plant protection products are provided to farmers, applied in ways that do not harm the soil or local biodiversity. Rwanda’s coffee sector remains a key driver of the country’s agriculture-based economic growth.
