(Ecofin Agency) - In Rwanda, the National Agricultural Exports Board (NAEB) announced an increase of 64% of the minimum price guaranteed to coffee-growers. Indeed, the kilogram of the crop will be now sold at 246 Rwandan francs against 150 Rwandan francs previously.

According to Pie Ntwari, head of public communication and relations at the NAEB, the decision to increase the price by the government aims to encourage coffee farmers and subsequently boost its production.

Besides increasing output, the official believes the measure will also help produce coffee of higher quality.

Let’s recall that Rwanda counts about 400,000 coffee farmers and produced 22,000 metric tons of the bean in 2016 and generated overall $58.5 million from exporting 18,600 tons. Rwanda’s main export destinations for coffee are Switzerland, UK, US and South Africa.

For the ongoing season, the country expects $66.3 million of revenues from its coffee exports.

Espoir Olodo