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Join on Telegram Rabat – Rwanda is honoured to participate as a guest of honour in the Marrakech Coffee & Tea Festival 2025, taking place from 6 to 8 December 2025 in the vibrant city of Marrakech. This prestigious event will celebrate two products that hold deep cultural and economic significance in both Rwanda and Morocco, coffee and tea. These beverages are not only integral to our daily lives but also reflect our shared values of hospitality, community, and tradition.
Rwanda’s participation takes place within the broader context of the excellent relations between Rwanda and Morocco, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, and His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco. The historic visits of the two Heads of State — to the Kingdom of Morocco in June 2016 and to the Republic of Rwanda in October 2016 — marked a turning point in our bilateral ties and paved the way for dynamic cooperation. Since 2016, our two nations have signed more than 40 cooperation agreements, leading to Moroccan investments in sectors such as agribusiness, financial services, industry, and pharmaceuticals.
It is in this spirit of partnership and shared ambition that Rwanda proudly engages in this festival.
Brewing Prosperity: How Tea and Coffee Sustain Rwanda’s Communities
What makes Rwandan coffee and tea so exceptional in global markets?
From the mist-covered hills to the fertile volcanic soils, Rwanda’s coffee and tea represent far more than premium beverages—they embody hard work, passion, and the spirit of economic transformation. As the backbone of Rwanda’s agricultural sector, these crops have shaped the nation’s development, providing livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of farmers and securing Rwanda’s reputation as a producer of world-class coffee and tea.
Today, Rwanda proudly counts over 117 coffee exporters and a thriving tea industry comprising 19 operational factories, 21 tea-producing cooperatives, and 2 farmers’ service companies. The country exports to a diverse range of markets: coffee is primarily shipped to Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom, while Rwandan tea reaches
destinations such as Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan and other markets across Europe and Asia.
A Rich History Rooted in the Hills
Rwanda’s coffee and tea industries are stories of transformation and resilience. Coffee was introduced in 1904 by German missionaries and today thrives in volcanic soils at altitudes of 1,800–2,200 meters above sea level. More than 450,000 smallholder farmers grow mainly Arabica Bourbon, producing beans known for their sweet, fruity notes and balanced flavor—highly prized in global specialty markets.
Tea was later introduced in 1952 by Belgian colonial authorities and flourishes in Rwanda’s high-altitude regions. Over 50,000 smallholder farmers contribute to a sector that produces top-quality black and specialty teas, positioning Rwanda as a recognized player in the global tea market.
The Tea Economy: Growth Rooted in the Highlands
Stretching across elevations between 1,500 and 2,500 meters, Rwanda’s lush tea plantations yield some of the world’s most sought-after black, orthodox, and specialty teas—celebrated for their brisk taste, fragrant aroma, and bright liquor.
In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, Rwanda exported over 38,400 metric tons of tea, earning USD 114.8 million in revenue. For smallholder farmers, tea is more than a crop—it’s a source of dignity and stability.
The Government of Rwanda continues to invest in expanding and diversifying the tea sector, aiming to raise annual tea export earnings to USD 175 million by 2029. Efforts are also underway to promote value-added products such as specialty and organic teas that appeal to premium international markets.
Rwanda’s excellence in tea has already been recognized globally. In 2011, the Kitabi, Gisovu, and Karongi tea factories won top prizes at the Mombasa Tea Competition, followed by additional awards in 2017 and 2019 at the African Tea Convention, confirming Rwanda’s place among the continent’s finest tea producers.
The Coffee Economy: A Legacy of Quality and Empowerment
Rwanda’s coffee thrives on high-altitude volcanic slopes that provide ideal growing conditions for Arabica coffee. Known for its smooth, fruity flavor and balanced body, Rwandan coffee continues to impress global buyers.
In 2023/2024, coffee exports reached 16,400 metric tons, generating USD 78.7 million in revenue. Around 400,000 smallholder farmers depend on coffee for their livelihoods, supported by strong partnerships between cooperatives, exporters, and institutions that uphold quality and sustainability across the value chain.
The Rwanda coffee brand Second Sunrise has introduced how Rwanda distinguishes itself as an origin that produces exceptional specialty coffee. Rwanda highlights the origin itself, which is crucial for positioning the country as a specialty coffee source that benefits everyone,” explains Mr. Gilbert Gatari, CEO of the Africa Fine Coffee Association.
Rwandan coffee has also earned numerous international accolades, including Best Coffee at the World Specialty Coffee Expo (2019) and the best of the best award at illcaffe. Premium lots often achieve outstanding auction prices, with some fetching up to USD 88.18 per kilogram.
A Growing Legacy: Rwanda’s Pride in Every Cup
Rwanda’s tea and coffee are more than agricultural products—they are the heartbeat of the nation’s identity. These crops sustain communities, drive export growth, and symbolize resilience and national pride.
Each cup of Rwandan tea or coffee tells a story of dedication, innovation, and a deep connection between people and land. As Rwanda continues to refine and expand its tea and coffee sectors, the country remains committed to sharing not just beverages with the world, but the stories of farmers who turn every harvest into a symbol of hope and prosperity.
Rwanda’s participation highlights our country’s commitment to promoting excellence in agri-exports and strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco. Through the Rwanda Pavilion, visitors will experience the authentic taste and story of Rwandan coffee and and tea, products that embody our country’s quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Meet us at the Marrakech Coffee & Tea Festival, 6–8 December 2025, and experience the finest Rwandan coffee and tea — the best of the best from the Land of a Thousand Hills.
