Rwanda coffee exports rise as local consumption grows to 5% of production
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has announced that in the fiscal year 2024/2025, Rwanda consumed 20 tons of coffee, equivalent to 5% of the total coffee harvested.
This was revealed on Friday, November 8, 2025, during a meeting between NAEB, its partners, and the media. The discussion focused on the achievements of the Best of Rwanda 2025 competition, which celebrates Rwanda’s finest coffee and promotes excellence in coffee production.
The meeting also reviewed the progress made in promoting coffee farming, adding value to the crop, and enhancing its international reputation.
The Chairman of the Rwanda Coffee Exporters and Processors Association (CEPAR), Orest Baragahorana, noted that through such competitions, local coffee consumption has increased significantly.
He said: “Even those coffees that didn’t win the competition have gained visibility. Anyone who wants to taste them can do so because they have already been introduced to the public through these contests.
Coffee consumption in Rwanda is increasing. For example, our company started selling coffee for local consumption six years ago with only one ton, but today we sell up to 20 tons of brewed coffee.”
Baragahorana added that local coffee consumption adds value to the product because the more it is consumed domestically, the more it gains prestige internationally.
NAEB’s Chief Executive Officer, Bizimana Claude, explained that increasing the number of Rwandans drinking locally produced coffee not only enhances its value but also creates more jobs.
He stated: “There are people who have received high-level training in coffee processing. Recently, a Rwandan won an international competition and will attend global training on coffee processing.”
He added: “Looking at the figures for coffee production and exports—both roasted and unroasted—5% of our coffee is currently consumed locally. We are working hard to raise that number to at least 15%.”
During the 2024/2025 fiscal year, Rwanda produced 21,295 tons of coffee, marking a 25% increase from the previous year’s 17,038 tons. Coffee exports reached 20,509 tons, up 24% from 16,479 tons in 2023/2024.
Rwanda Coffee Shines Again Internationally
The Best of Rwanda annual competition, now in its second edition, is organized to honor coffee farmers, processors, and exporters for their commitment to producing high-quality coffee and to further promote Rwanda’s coffee on the global stage.
In September 2025, Rwandan coffee made international headlines when one kilogram sold for 129,000 Rwandan francs at the second edition of the international specialty coffee auction.
According to NAEB, 20 of Rwanda’s best coffees were sold during the 2025 competition, having been selected from 316 samples by both national and international coffee tasters.
The top coffee, produced by K-Organics Ltd, based in Huye District, Southern Province, fetched USD 88.18 per kilogram, equivalent to 129,000 Rwandan francs. The record-breaking price was achieved through an online international auction held on October 8, 2025.
This price is 14 times higher than the average market price for other coffees sold this year.
Beyond the competition, NAEB continues to support coffee farmers to improve both the quality and quantity of production and to expand market opportunities abroad.
The institution also urged Rwandans to value coffee and support the ongoing coffee tree rejuvenation program.
Coffee Rejuvenation Project Launched
According to NAEB statistics, Rwanda has about 26 million old coffee trees. A national campaign to rejuvenate them began last year, aiming to replace at least 10 million trees within four years, covering 4,132 hectares.
In addition, NAEB plans to expand coffee cultivation by at least 1,000 hectares across the country.
By: Alex RUKUNDO
