The appreciation was voiced on January 16, 2025, as the four-year project officially came to an end during a ceremony that celebrated its achievements.
The event included testimonials from beneficiaries, coffee exhibitions, and tastings, and it was graced by coffee industry stakeholders, TechnoServe staff, and various partners, including representatives from the Government of Rwanda.
The Rwanda INC project, implemented in six districts, was funded by the European Union (EU) with a contribution of €2 million and JDE Peet's, which provided €500,000.
It sought to enhance Rwanda's coffee value chain by enabling farmers, washing stations, and service providers to access critical information and financing, ensuring they could produce high-quality coffee for local, regional, and international markets.
TechnoServe's presence in Rwanda spans over 15 years, during which the organization has empowered more than 80,000 farmers and entrepreneurs.
The Rwanda INC program is one of over 15 projects TechnoServe has implemented in the country, making a profound impact on the coffee sector.
In addition to distributing over 1.9 million coffee seedlings, it supported more than 11,000 coffee farmers.
The initiative also trained 53 young professionals in collaboration with the Coffee Quality Institute, fostering their growth in the coffee sector.
Additionally, 50 Coffee Washing Stations received support to improve their quality and operational efficiency, further strengthening Rwanda's coffee production capabilities.
Dr. Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary at MINAGRI, praised TechnoServe for its critical role in advancing the nation's coffee industry.
He highlighted the productive collaboration between TechnoServe and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), noting the development of quality and sustainable guidelines that will benefit the coffee sector for years to come.
'The decision to transfer ownership of the Digital Farmer Extension Monitoring System to NAEB demonstrates your commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of these interventions,' he noted.
Dr. Kamana reaffirmed the government's dedication to building upon the achievements of the Rwanda INC project and pledged to expand its successful interventions to other Coffee Washing Stations across the country.
The impact of the project extended to individuals and businesses across the coffee sector.
Christine Vuguziga, co-founder of Ngoma Coffee Washing Station in Nyamasheke District, described how the project transformed her operations.
'The project enabled us to plant 40,000 new coffee trees, which grow faster and adapt to climate changes. We also use a digital application that helps our agronomists address farmers' issues, resulting in better yields,' she said.
Similarly, Manasseh Hategekimana, a graduate from IPRC Huye College in crop production, expressed his gratitude for the training he received through TechnoServe and the Coffee Quality Institute.
'Before the training, I didn't see coffee farming as a viable career for youth. But after gaining skills and earning a Professional Certificate, I got employed immediately.
"Today, I'm an agronomist at the Land of Thousand Hills Coffee Company. I encourage more young people to explore opportunities in coffee farming and processing because it's a lucrative industry,' Hategekimana shared.
Sophie Duchanoy, TechnoServe Rwanda's Country Manager, reflected on the project's success in elevating the value of Rwandan coffee in local and international markets.
She expressed her deepest gratitude to the EU, JDE Peet's, and the Government of Rwanda for their trust and support, which enabled the program to achieve its goals.
'By supporting farmers, washing stations, and service providers, the program has facilitated access to critical information and financing needed to produce high-quality coffee for local, regional, and international markets,' she noted.
Amparo Gonzalez Diez, team leader of the Agriculture and Rural Development section at the EU delegation to Rwanda, commended the project for its emphasis on youth involvement and modern practices while pledging the EU's continued support for Rwanda's coffee sector.
Although the Rwanda INC project has concluded, TechnoServe remains active in Rwanda through the ReGenerate Rwanda project, funded by the Swedish Embassy.
This initiative aims to sustainably increase incomes for 30,000 individuals living in poverty in the Western and Southern Provinces.
By collaborating with private sector partners, the project seeks to develop innovative business solutions that address unmet demands for essential products and services.
With a focus on inclusivity, the project integrates women and youth as key drivers of transformative growth, advancing regenerative economic models that promise to build a sustainable future for Rwanda's coffee industry and beyond.
Théophile Niyitegeka
