KIGALI, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's coffee sector posted strong growth in 2025, with export revenues reaching a record high of nearly 150 million U.S. dollars, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has said in a statement.
In 2025, Rwanda exported 23,860 tons of green (unroasted) coffee, up 39 percent year-on-year, while export revenues surged 65 percent to more than 148.6 million dollars, according to the statement released on Thursday.
This marked a significant improvement compared to 2024, when the country exported 17,142 tonnes valued at more than 89.8 million dollars.
The growth was driven by higher export volumes, rising international prices, and sustained investment in production and market expansion, it added.
NAEB Chief Executive Officer Claude Bizimana said the results signal that Rwanda is on track to meet its long-term targets.
"This growth shows that Rwanda is well positioned to reach the goal of exporting 32,000 tons of coffee and generating 192 million dollars in revenues by the end of the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) in 2029," he was quoted as saying.
Bizimana attributed the success to both increased coffee production and expanded access to international markets. Flagship initiatives such as the Best of Rwanda Coffee Competition played a key role in promoting high-quality coffee and attracting new global buyers.
Revenue growth was further supported by favorable global market conditions. The average export price of Rwandan coffee rose 19 percent to 6.2 dollars per kg in 2025 compared with the previous year, NAEB said.
On the production side, output benefited from coffee trees distributed and prepared by NAEB over the past five years, now reaching their productive stage. Increased use of fertilizers and the adoption of good agricultural practices also contributed to higher yields. Attractive prices encouraged farmers to invest in proper farm management, while favorable climatic conditions further boosted production.
Meanwhile, export growth was reinforced by targeted market development efforts. Bizimana noted that NAEB intensified strategic promotion of Rwandan coffee in emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East, while strengthening its presence in niche specialty markets in Europe and North America. ■