Rwanda Targets Higher Coffee Export Earnings Through National Quality Competition

KIGALI, Rwanda — Rwanda is stepping up efforts to increase the value of its coffee exports as the country seeks to position its specialty coffee among the most sought-after products on the international market.

The push is being driven in part by the Best of Rwanda Coffee Competition, which brings together coffee farmers, processors and exporters from across the country to showcase high-quality beans.

The competition begins with the submission of coffee samples, which are assessed by national coffee cuppers under the guidance of an international head judge. The highest-rated samples proceed to the national jury stage, where the country's top coffees are selected and declared winners.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Agriculture and Animal Resources Minister Telesphore Ndabamenye said coffee remains a strategic commodity for Rwanda because of its contribution to the national economy and household livelihoods.

He said the government was focused not only on increasing coffee production but also on raising the amount earned from every kilogramme exported.

“The government recognises coffee as a national strategic commodity with the potential to contribute significantly to Rwanda's economy and to the livelihoods of Rwandans. We also intend to double our average export price,” Ndabamenye said.

The minister challenged stakeholders to work together to transform the Best of Rwanda competition into a major event on the international coffee calendar.

“Let us work together so that, in the years to come, Best of Rwanda becomes one of the most anticipated events in the global coffee calendar, a benchmark for quality and a symbol of what collaboration and commitment can achieve,” he encouraged.

The competition has already demonstrated the premium that Rwanda's finest coffees can command.

According to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), winners of the first two editions achieved record prices at international auctions, with the top coffee fetching US$71.80 per kilogramme in 2024 and another reaching US$88 per kilogramme in 2025.

The rising auction prices point to growing international demand for Rwanda's specialty coffee and highlight the potential for the country to earn more from value-added agricultural exports.

Rwanda is now seeking to build on that momentum by improving coffee quality, strengthening the competitiveness of its producers and expanding the global market for its premium beans.

Source:The New Times,Rwanda