Rwanda’s coffee industry posts landmark export earnings in 2025

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda’s coffee industry achieved a major milestone in 2025 after export earnings climbed to their highest level on record, reflecting a combination of increased production, stronger global prices, and expanded market reach.

Figures released by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) show that coffee exports generated nearly $150 million during the year, a sharp rise from the previous year and the strongest performance the sector has recorded to date.

Export volumes rose significantly, with Rwanda shipping close to 24,000 tonnes of green coffee to international markets in 2025. This represents a substantial increase compared to 2024, when exports stood at just over 17,000 tonnes.

The jump in volumes, coupled with improved prices on the global market, resulted in export revenues growing at a much faster pace than output.

According to NAEB, the average price of Rwandan coffee on the international market increased markedly during the year, reaching more than $6 per kilogramme, up from the previous year. The price improvement played a critical role in lifting overall earnings.

NAEB Chief Executive Officer Claude Bizimana said the 2025 performance demonstrates that Rwanda’s long-term investments in the coffee value chain are beginning to deliver tangible results.

“The current growth trajectory shows that Rwanda is well positioned to meet its national targets of exporting 32,000 tonnes of coffee and generating $192 million in revenues by 2029,” Bizimana said, referring to goals outlined under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

Production gains and farmer incentives

On the production side, the sector benefited from coffee trees that were planted and distributed over the past several years and have now reached maturity.

Improved access to fertilisers, extension services, and good agricultural practices also contributed to higher yields.

Favourable weather conditions during the season further supported production, while attractive prices encouraged farmers to invest more consistently in farm maintenance and quality improvement.

Farmers also benefited directly from the strong export performance. In 2025, coffee growers earned an average of Rwf900 per kilogramme of coffee cherries, significantly above the minimum farm-gate price of Rwf600 set by NAEB.

This increase translated into higher incomes, particularly in rural areas where coffee remains a key source of livelihood.

Expanding markets and premium positioning

Beyond production, Rwanda’s export growth was supported by intensified market development efforts. NAEB expanded promotional activities in emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East, while consolidating Rwanda’s presence in established specialty coffee markets in Europe and North America.

Initiatives such as the Best of Rwanda Coffee Competition continued to position Rwandan coffee as a premium product, attracting new buyers and strengthening relationships with existing ones.

Oreste Baragahorana, Chairperson of the Coffee Exporters and Processors Association of Rwanda (CEPAR), said the combination of higher international prices and increased export volumes largely explains the record earnings.

“Global price movements have a direct impact on Rwanda’s coffee revenues, and in 2025 the market conditions were favourable,” he said, adding that the sector’s performance highlights the importance of sustained policy and investment support.

Baragahorana noted that coffee exports play a crucial role in generating foreign exchange and supporting macroeconomic stability, while also delivering direct benefits to farming communities.

With revenues now at an all-time high, industry stakeholders say maintaining quality, productivity, and market diversification will be key to sustaining growth in the years ahead.