The recent success of NOVA Coffee Ltd, beneficiary of the ICU project in Rwanda “Business development in the agri-food chains of coffee and fruit and vegetables in Rwanda for lasting, inclusive and sustainable economic and employment growth and to overcome the consequences of the pandemic” funded by AICS, is a 100% women-managed coffee company, at the Best of Rwanda 2024 Specialty Coffee Competition has not only brought pride to Rwanda but also underscored the transformative role of women in the coffee sector. With a remarkable score of 91.86, NOVA Coffee emerged as the winner, setting new benchmarks for quality and excellence. Their standout coffee fetched $71.8 per kilogram during the online auction—an unprecedented 14 times the average market price for other coffees.
Breaking Barriers
Led by Mrs. Agnes Mukamushinja, NOVA Coffee’s team exemplifies the resilience and ingenuity of Rwandan women. Agnes expressed her gratitude for this achievement, attributing their success to relentless dedication and the unwavering support they received: “This recognition allows us to invest further in our coffee farming activities, ensuring a sustainable future for our community.”
The achievement of NOVA Coffee is closely tied to the inaugural Best of Rwanda Specialty Coffee Competition, the first event of its kind in Rwanda. This historic competition, supported by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and implemented with ICU‘s guidance, sought to showcase the best coffees in the country, while elevating Rwanda’s position on the global specialty coffee map. The event’s meticulous design, including the selection and cupping of 18 finalist lots by national and international jurors, highlighted Rwanda’s growing potential in producing world-class coffee.
Driving Change through Collaboration
ICU is committed to enhancing coffee and horticulture value chains, and played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Best of Rwanda competition and in supporting NOVA Coffee’s journey to excellence. Through technical training, market access facilitation, and capacity building, ICU empowered NOVA Coffee and other smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices, improve quality, and connect with global buyers.
The Best of Rwanda competition also provided a critical platform for recognizing women-led enterprises like NOVA Coffee, proving that gender inclusivity drives success and innovation. By providing premium prices for top-quality coffee, the competition encouraged producers to embrace excellence while fostering economic sustainability.
As Agnes aptly stated: “Today’s achievement reminds us of the potential we hold when we work together— producers, exporters, and consumers—to drive quality and sustainability.”
About NOVA Coffee and ICU
NOVA Coffee Ltd is a pioneer in women-led coffee production, showcasing the power of inclusivity in achieving excellence. ICU has been crucial in supporting coffee producers across Rwanda, bridging the gap between local expertise and global opportunities.
