Rwanda’s best-performing coffees will be recognized this week in a competition designed to showcase exceptional quality and help the country secure higher-value markets internationally, the National Agricultural Export Development Board said.
The Best of Rwanda competition, now in its third edition, identifies coffees judged for outstanding quality and taste. Winners of the 2026 competition will be announced and honored Aug. 28 at Serena Hotel in Kigali.
Coffee farmers, processors, exporters and other stakeholders across the coffee value chain are expected to attend the ceremony.
The competition is intended to promote Rwandan coffee on international markets, expand export opportunities, increase the value of coffee and boost foreign exchange earnings from the sector, according to NAEB.
It also recognizes farmers, processors and exporters for their contribution to the coffee industry.
The focus on quality comes as Rwanda seeks to strengthen the position of its coffee in international markets, particularly through specialty coffee that can command higher prices.
The 2025 competition was won by coffee produced by K Organic Company in Huye district. The company grows and processes specialty coffee, and its winning lot sold for more than 126,000 Rwandan francs ($88) per kilogram.
Other coffees among the top performers included Rwamatamu Coffee from Muhanga, KivuBelt Coffee and Mahembe Coffee from Nyamasheke, Simbi Coffee from Huye and Tropic Coffee from Nyamagabe.
The inaugural Best of Rwanda competition in 2024 was won by NOVA Coffee Ltd., based in Bukure Sector, Gicumbi district. Its coffee later sold for 100,000 francs ($72) per kilogram at an auction.
NAEB said previous winners had reported increased exports, higher coffee income and business expansion following their success in the competition.
The annual contest is therefore not only a platform for recognizing high-quality coffee but also an avenue for connecting quality producers with markets willing to pay more for premium beans.
By highlighting top-performing coffees and the farmers and businesses behind them, NAEB hopes to strengthen the value of the country’s coffee along the supply chain while increasing its contribution to export earnings.
