• Rwanda’s coffee exports generated $116 million, up 47.4% from the previous year.

• Output rose 25% to 21,000 tonnes as rejuvenated farms entered production.

• The government aims to increase exports to 32,000 tonnes by 2029 under its agricultural transformation plan.

Rwanda’s coffee exports earned $116 million in the 2024/2025 marketing season, setting a new record for the country’s coffee industry, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).

Local newspaper The New Times reported the figure on November 8, citing Claude Bizimana, NAEB’s Chief Executive Officer, who said the amount marks a 47.39% increase from $78.7 million in the previous year.

Bizimana said two factors fueled this performance. First, coffee output grew 25% to 21,000 tonnes, supported by the maturity of replanted coffee trees, which expanded exportable volumes.

Second, the sector benefited from a global price rally. Data from the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) shows that Arabica coffee prices nearly doubled during the period, rising from 189.9 cents per pound ($4.10/kg) in April 2024 to 364 cents per pound ($8.01/kg) by March 2025.

Rwanda mainly produces Arabica coffee, known for its high quality and strong demand on specialty markets, especially in Europe and North America.

Despite the record year, Bizimana said the next challenge is to maintain the momentum. Under the government’s Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation, Rwanda aims to raise its coffee export volumes to 32,000 tonnes by 2028/2029. The plan focuses on improving productivity, modernizing processing facilities, and expanding access to premium markets.

Rwanda ranks as Africa’s sixth-largest coffee exporter, behind Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya. While smaller than these major players, the Rwandan sector continues to benefit from favorable market conditions and targeted government support.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum