Rwanda’s Coffee Sector Surpasses Expectations in 2024/2025
Rwanda has made significant strides in its coffee export sector, earning over $116 million (approximately Rwf168 billion) during the 2024/2025 fiscal year. This represents a 48% increase from the $78.7 million recorded in the previous year, according to Claude Bizimana, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). The performance brings Rwanda closer to its target of achieving $192 million in annual coffee exports by 2029, as outlined in the Coffee Sector Development Strategy for Rwanda (2024-2029).
The announcement was made at a press conference held in Kigali on November 7, where Bizimana highlighted the progress and future prospects of the country’s coffee industry.
Factors Behind the Growth
Bizimana attributed the strong performance to several factors, including increased production and higher international prices. Coffee production reached approximately 21,000 tonnes, marking a 25% increase compared to the previous year. At the same time, the average export price rose from $4.8 per kilogramme in 2023/24 to $5.66 in 2024/25, representing an 18% increase. This rise in prices significantly boosted revenues.
According to Bizimana, Rwanda’s coffee sector is undergoing a major transformation. Compared to 2023/24, all key indicators—production, productivity, and export revenues—showed improvement. The main drivers behind this transformation include:
- Replacement of old coffee trees (that are 30 years old and above)
- Introduction of new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties
- Expansion of plantations through private investment
Recovery from a Decline
This growth follows a 32% decline in export revenues in 2023/24, when earnings fell to $78.7 million from $115.9 million in the previous year. The drop was due to both lower volumes—down to 16,400 tonnes (a 17.9% fall)—and weaker global prices, which slipped from $5.78 per kilogramme in 2022/23 to $4.78 per kilogramme in 2023/24.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the downturn was largely due to climate change impacts and fluctuating global prices.
Impact on Farmers
Oreste Baragahorana, Chairperson of the Coffee Exporters and Processors Association of Rwanda (CEPAR), noted that the rise in international prices had a direct impact on farmers. “The official farm-gate price for quality coffee cherries was set at Rwf600 per kilogramme, but on average, we paid Rwf900 per kilogramme,” he said. He added that when farmers earn more, they are motivated to produce more.
Showcasing Rwanda’s Best Coffee Brands
Bizimana also highlighted the ‘Best of Rwanda’ competition launched in 2024 as a key initiative to promote excellence and market visibility. The competition recognizes the country’s top coffee brands, which are later sold in online auctions to international buyers.
In 2024, the highest bid was $71.8 per kilogramme, won by NOVA Coffee Ltd from Gicumbi District, with the winning bidder being a US firm. The following year, the record rose to $88.18 (about Rwf130,000) per kilogramme, secured by K Organics from Huye District, with the winning bid coming from a buyer in the United Arab Emirates.
Agnes Mukamushinja, owner of Nova Coffee, stated that the competition has boosted both visibility and sales. “Our efforts to ensure quality along the entire value chain are paying off,” she said. In October 2025, Mukamushinja told The New Times that this year, its coffee sales had already grown by about one-third compared to last year, and it projected an 80 increase by the end of the year.
Long-Term Opportunities
Bizimana stated that such initiatives open up long-term opportunities for Rwandan farmers and exporters. When international buyers participate in these auctions, he said, they often come back seeking long-term contracts with producers. “This helps our farmers, cooperatives, and exporters secure stable markets and better prices,” he observed.
The NAEB continues to support private investors and farmers in accessing quality seedlings, controlling pests and diseases, and improving market intelligence to help them tap into new, higher-value markets.