Rwanda makes its debut at Coffee Europe Expo #rwanda #RwOT

At the opening, Rwanda was recognized as a partner country. Represented by the Rwandan Embassy in Poland and various private sector companies, Rwanda's participation highlights its growing presence in the international coffee market.

The expo running from May 27â€"29, 2025, brought together industry leaders, offering a platform to explore cutting-edge innovations in coffee production, roasting, brewing, and retail.

The accompanying congress provides opportunities for expanding knowledge, acquiring skills, and networking with global coffee sector players.

In an interview with IGIHE after the opening, Prof. Anastase Shyaka, Rwanda's Ambassador to Poland, highlighted that Rwanda's prominent role as a partner country reflects the organizers' recognition of the nation's rising influence in the coffee industry.

'This shows that the organizers attach great importance to Rwanda, and we thank them for that,' he said.

The expo attracted distinguished attendees, including the President of Ptak Warsaw and Poland's former Minister of the Economy and Deputy Prime Minister, who initiated a partnership with Africa a decade ago and has continued to nurture it.

Rwanda's participation symbolized the strong bilateral ties and Poland's view of Rwanda as a welcoming and dynamic hub for trade and investment.

'Rwanda's participation at the opening is a symbol that this country values our partnership and sees Rwanda as a nation mobilizing traders to participate,' Ambassador Anastase noted.

Discussions at the expo highlighted Rwanda's visionary approach, particularly its innovative use of technology in agriculture, which impressed many attendees.

'Those we discussed expressed happiness about Rwanda's vision. Some were impressed by the way we deploy technology in agriculture,' the ambassador shared.

This enthusiasm has sparked interest in deeper collaboration, with organizers and participants expressing a desire for more Rwandan involvement in future programs.

'We are participating for the first time, but with optimism, it won't be the last participation,' Prof. Shyaka added.

Rwanda's success at the expo was bolstered by its strong leadership and strategic partnerships, particularly with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).

The NAEB's bold vision for expanding markets for Rwandan agricultural produce, including its world-renowned coffee, was a key driver of the country's impactful presence.

'They are eager for Rwanda's involvement and are waiting for more, thanks to Rwanda's good leadership and partnership with NAEB,' Anastase emphasized.

A significant focus of Rwanda's participation was engaging the private sector, with Rwandan companies exploring market expansion opportunities.

'As the embassy and colleagues, we are here to help Rwanda connect with potential partners to gain benefitsâ€"it is our responsibility,' he affirmed.

Rwanda's ambitions extend beyond participation, with a clear goal to elevate its coffee and tea industries to rank among Africa's top five.

'We will be glad to see Rwanda moving forward in coffee and tea rankings, aiming to be among the top five on the continent. We want this success to come to Rwanda,' Prof. Shyaka declared, highlighting the mandate given by the President of the Republic to drive this vision forward.

Tomasz Szypuła, Chairman of the Board of Ptak Warsaw Expo, extended a warm welcome to Rwanda as the event's partner country, emphasizing the growing bonds of solidarity and friendship between Poland and Rwanda.

Szypuła also outlined a vision for enhanced cooperation to boost Rwanda's competitiveness in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe, while also promoting Polish trade in Rwanda.