Rwanda launches Kibeho Tea Factory worth over Rwf 51 billion

By The Inspirer.

Nyaruguru District now hosts the newly inaugurated Kibeho Tea Factory, a project valued at over €30 million (RWF 51 billion), including its tea plantations. The factory, located in Mata Sector, Gorwe Cell, began operations in 2024 after construction started in 2022.

The initiative began in 2017 with tea planting across Munini, Kibeho, and Mata sectors. Today, it engages over 10,000 farmers and employs local workers, providing steady income and job opportunities.

Alexis Mutungirehe, a local tea farmer, said, “I now earn in eight months what used to take five years. I employ 11 workers and continue to grow my farm.” Henriette Munezero, a mother of three and factory employee, added that fair wages and maternity benefits have improved her family’s life.

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Cyubahiro Mark Bagabe, praised the project as a model of collaboration between government, investors, and communities. He announced plans for a new factory in Munini, which will process 7,500 tons of tea annually, doubling production in the region.

Currently, Kibeho Factory operates at 30% capacity, processing tea from 3,000 hectares, with expansion targets of 6,000 hectares over the next decade. NAEB reports that tea exports have earned Rwanda RWF 1 trillion over the past seven years.

Kibeho becomes the fourth tea factory in Nyaruguru, joining Nshili-Kivu, Muganza-Kivu, and Mata.

The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Cyubahiro Mark Bagabe, said that this factory demonstrates the power of collaboration among all sectors.