Rwanda’s coffee industry posted its strongest year on record in 2025, with export revenues reaching nearly $150 million, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board.
Export volumes rose 39 percent from a year earlier, while revenues climbed 65 percent, reflecting higher shipments and firmer international prices.
The country exported 23,860 tonnes of unroasted green coffee in 2025, generating more than $148.6 million (Rwf216 billion, about $150 million).
In 2024, Rwanda shipped 17,142 tonnes valued at $89.8 million (Rwf130.6 billion, about $90 million).
Average export prices increased 19 percent to $6.2 per kilogram in 2025, providing an added boost to earnings.
Claude Bizimana, chief executive of NAEB, said the performance shows Rwanda is on track to meet its National Strategy for Transformation targets of 32,000 tonnes in exports and $192 million in revenues by 2029.
“With regard to export revenues, 2025 recorded a historic high, surpassing all previous records,” Bizimana stated.
Growth was underpinned by gains in production and wider market access. Bizimana said coffee trees distributed and prepared over the past five years reached maturity in 2025, lifting output alongside improved fertiliser use and farming practices.
Attractive prices encouraged growers to invest in farm maintenance, while favorable weather supported yields.
On the demand side, NAEB intensified promotion in emerging markets, particularly the Middle East, and expanded sales in specialty segments across Europe and North America.
Initiatives such as the Best of Rwanda Coffee Competition helped showcase quality and attract new buyers, he said.
While export volumes were similar to those recorded in 2019, revenues reached an all-time high in 2025. “Export revenues recorded a historic high,” Bizimana said.
Farmers also benefited. Growers earned an average of Rwf900 per kilogram of coffee cherries in 2025, about $0.62, well above the NAEB-set minimum farm-gate price of Rwf600 per kilogram, roughly $0.41.
