The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has announced a major expansion of Rwanda’s coffee sector, with plans to plant 2.75 million coffee trees under the Promoting Smallholder Agro-Export Competitiveness (PASAC) project.
The initiative aims to strengthen smallholder farmers’ participation in high-value export crops such as coffee, tea, and fruits.
The new trees will be planted during the 2026 A cropping season on 1,102 hectares across Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Karongi, Huye, Nyamagabe, and Ruhango districts.
NAEB aims to scale the program further, targeting 9 million trees on 3,050 hectares by 2029, boosting national coffee production and supporting economic growth.
Rwanda’s coffee exports have already shown strong gains. In 2025, the country earned over Rwf 216 billion from coffee exports, up from Rwf 129 billion in 2024, with 23,860 tons shipped abroad compared to 17,142 tons the previous year. This represents a 39% increase in volume and a 65% rise in export earnings.
Coffee continues to be one of Rwanda’s most strategic cash crops, generating significant revenue and foreign exchange.
The PASAC project’s expansion is expected to enhance productivity, increase farmer incomes, and further solidify Rwanda’s position in global coffee markets.
