Rwanda coffee export revenues hit record nearly US$150M in 2025 on higher volumes, prices 

RWANDA – Rwanda’s coffee sector recorded a historic performance in 2025, with export revenues reaching a record high of nearly US$150m, according to data released by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). 

NAEB said coffee export volumes increased by 39% year on year, while export revenues surged by 65%, driven by higher shipment volumes, rising international prices and sustained investment in production and market expansion.  

Official data show that Rwanda exported 23,860 tonnes of green, unroasted coffee in 2025, generating more than US$148.6m (approximately Rwf216bn) in export earnings. 

This marked a significant improvement compared with 2024, when the country exported 17,142 tonnes of coffee valued at more than US$89.8 million.  

Revenue growth was further supported by stronger prices in global markets, with the average export price of Rwandan coffee rising by 19% to US$6.2 per kilogramme in 2025. 

“With regard to the 2025 growth performance, this indicates that Rwanda is on a strong trajectory to achieve the target of 32,000 tons of coffee exports and to generate $192 million in export revenues by the end of NST2 in 2029,” said NAEB Chief Executive Claude Bizimana. 

Bizimana attributed the strong performance to a combination of higher production and expanded market access. On the production side, he said output benefited from coffee trees prepared and distributed by NAEB over the past five years that have now reached the productive stage. He also cited the provision of fertilisers, adoption of good farming practices and favourable climatic conditions. 

“Attractive coffee prices encouraged farmers to invest more in proper farm maintenance, while favourable climatic conditions supported higher yields,” Bizimana said. 

Export growth was also reinforced by targeted market development initiatives. Bizimana noted that NAEB intensified 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. 

He added that flagship initiatives such as the Best of Rwanda Coffee Competition played a key role in showcasing the country’s high-quality coffee and attracting new international buyers. 

While Rwanda’s coffee export volumes in 2025 were comparable to levels recorded in 2019, when shipments reached about 23,400 tonnes, export revenues reached an all-time high last year.  

“With regard to export revenues, 2025 recorded a historic high, surpassing all previous records,” Bizimana said. 

Farmers also benefited from the improved performance. In 2025, growers earned an average of Rwf900 per kilogramme of coffee cherries, well above the baseline farm-gate price of Rwf600 per kilogramme set by NAEB as the minimum price buyers must pay. 

“The growth in coffee exports is highly significant for Rwanda’s economy, as increased foreign exchange inflows help stabilise inflation,” said Oreste Baragahorana, chairperson of the Coffee Exporters and Processors Association of Rwanda. “Higher prices are also motivating farmers to remain engaged in coffee production.” 

He added that the trend supports the long-term sustainability of Rwanda’s coffee industry. 

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