Rwanda Achieves Record Coffee Export Revenue In 2025 – CoffeeTalk

Rwanda’s coffee sector achieved a landmark performance in 2025, with export revenues reaching an unprecedented $150 million, as reported by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). Year-on-year, export volumes surged by 39 percent, translating into a 65 percent increase in revenue. This remarkable growth is attributed to heightened export volumes, escalating international prices, and ongoing investments in both production and market expansion.

In 2025, Rwanda exported 23,860 tonnes of green coffee, generating more than $148.6 million (approximately Rwf 216 billion) in revenue, a substantial rise from 2024’s export of 17,142 tonnes valued at over $89.8 million. The average export price rose by 19 percent to $6.2 per kilogram in 2025, further bolstering revenue. According to NAEB Chief Executive Claude Bizimana, this growth trajectory positions Rwanda favorably to achieve its target of exporting 32,000 tonnes and generating $192 million by the end of the National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2) in 2029.

The success was driven by several factors, including improved coffee production fostered by initiatives from NAEB over the past five years, which included the distribution of well-prepared coffee trees, fertilizers, and enhanced farming practices. Favourable climatic conditions and attractive coffee prices motivated farmers to invest more in farm maintenance, leading to higher yields.

Furthermore, enhanced market access and strategic promotions of Rwandan coffee in emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East and niche specialty markets in Europe and North America, contributed to export growth. Initiatives such as the Best of Rwanda Coffee Competition helped showcase the high quality of the country’s coffee, attracting new international buyers.

Despite export volumes in 2025 being comparable to the 2019 figures of roughly 23,400 tonnes, the revenue recorded in 2025 set an all-time high, marking it as the best year for coffee exports in terms of earnings. Oreste Baragahorana, Chairperson of the Coffee Exporters and Processors Association of Rwanda (CEPAR), noted that the rising prices in the international market directly influenced Rwanda’s export revenues, leading to significant earnings.

Baragahorana emphasized the need for increased government support for the coffee sector, which significantly contributes to the economy and rural income generation. In 2025, farmers received an average of Rwf 900 per kilogram of coffee cherries, exceeding the NAEB-set minimum price of Rwf 600. He highlighted that the growth in coffee exports positively impacts the economy by stabilizing inflation and motivating farmers to continue coffee production, ensuring long-term sustainability for the industry.

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