On January 29th, 2025, the Coffee Value Chain Development Project held its closeout event in Kigali, marking the successful conclusion of a transformative initiative that has significantly enhanced Rwanda’s coffee sector. The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of MINAGRI Olivier Kamana, Sandrine Urujeni – COO of NAEB, Amparo Gonzalez – EU Team Leader, representatives from Coffee Washing Stations (CWS), and partners in the coffee sector. The event celebrated the project’s achievements and reflected on its lasting impact on Rwanda’s coffee industry.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Growth
The event began with welcoming remarks from the project manager, followed by speeches from key stakeholders. Amparo Gonzalez, representing the European Union, highlighted the project’s success in establishing market linkages and achieving certifications for coffee producers. She expressed hope that the Coffee Washing Stations would leverage these achievements to access better financing and continue improving their operations.
- Sandrine Urujeni, COO of NAEB, reflected on NAEB’s role in overseeing the project’s implementation over the past four years. She emphasized the importance of sustaining the project’s achievements and ensuring that the benefits continue to reach Rwanda’s coffee farmers and producers.
- Sara Immè, ICU’s deputy director, provided an overview of ICU’s global reach and expressed gratitude to the donors and the Government of Rwanda for their support. She acknowledged the critical role of farmers and CWS in the project’s success, stating that their dedication and collaboration were key to achieving the project’s goals.
- Stephanie Nyamongo from Kahawatu Foundation shared insights into how the project contributed to the professionalization of smallholder farmers while maintaining environmental sustainability. She highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable growth in the coffee sector.
- Finally, Olivier Kamana, representing MINAGRI, underscored the significance of coffee to Rwanda’s economy. He praised the project for fostering collaboration between coffee farmers and companies, which has improved coffee quality and laid the foundation for sustainable growth. He also noted that the project has been instrumental in showcasing Rwanda’s coffee excellence and sustainability on the global stage.
Showcasing Achievements
The event featured a detailed presentation by Claudio Pacillo, ICU’s Project Manager in Rwanda, and Philotte Mukiza, Country Manager of Kahawatu Rwanda, who highlighted the project’s key achievements:
- 1.5+ million coffee seedlings distributed to farmers, improving productivity and sustainability.
- 15 Coffee Washing Stations certified, benefiting over 12,000 farmers.
- Creation of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), empowering farmers with financial tools.
- Business training programs for CWS managers and farmers, enhancing their capacity to manage and grow their operations.
- Market linkages established, connecting Rwandan coffee producers with international buyers.
A video presentation showcased the unique qualities of Rwandan coffee, with a Lithuanian buyer praising its thick, chocolatey texture and sweetness. The buyer emphasized that Rwanda’s coffee profile is unique, making it a preferred origin for specialty coffee buyers.
Panel Discussion: Looking to the Future
A panel discussion featuring representatives from NAEB, the EU, ICU, and Kahawatu explored how future projects can further contribute to the coffee sector. Key topics included:
- Climate justice and compliance with regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
- Positioning Rwandan coffee as a niche origin in the global market.
- Strengthening partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the sector.
Reflections from Coffee Washing Stations
The event concluded with reflections from CWS managers, including representatives from BAHO, Mountain Coffee, COCAMU, and Kotukanya. They shared how the project’s support in infrastructure development, exhibition attendance, and training programs has transformed their operations and improved their ability to compete in the global market.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Coffee Value Chain Development Project has left a lasting legacy in Rwanda’s coffee sector. By improving quality, sustainability, and market access, the project has positioned Rwandan coffee as a premium product on the global stage. As the project concludes, its achievements will continue to benefit farmers, producers, and the entire coffee value chain in Rwanda.
