Rwanda's tea expected to generate $164 million by 2029 #rwanda #RwOT

This is a significant increase from the current $110 million generated from 35,000 tons of exported tea.

The role of tea in Rwanda's economy was underscored on November 12, 2025, after officials from NAEB, alongside tea farmers from the Rutsiro Tea Growers' Cooperative (RUTEGROC), participated in an activity to replant and expand the areas under tea cultivation.

This activity is part of the PSAC project, which seeks to support smallholder farmers to boost both the quantity and quality of crops, ensuring competitiveness in international markets.

The project will be implemented in six districts known for tea and coffee production: Nyaruguru, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, and Rulindo.

Nkurunziza Alex, traditional commodities Division Manager at NAEB, emphasized that the PSAC project will help farmers address areas where tea plants have not flourished and expand cultivation areas.

"Tea continues to improve livelihoods, which is why we are focusing on filling gaps in tea cultivation and increasing the planted areas. Our collaboration with agronomists and farmers aims to boost production so that, by 2029, tea exports will generate $164 million for Rwanda," he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by tea farmers, particularly the impacts of climate change, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting farmers daily to achieve these goals.

Aloys Nzamwita, president of RUTEGROC, shared how the community's perception of tea farming has evolved.

"When we first started, there was skepticism, but over time, people recognized its value. In 2015, a kilogram of tea sold for 100 Rwandan Francs, but today it sells for 460 Rwandan Francs. We now view tea farming as akin to owning a cow that is milked every day. Last year, we harvested 74 new hectares, and by 2027, we plan to expand by an additional 200 hectares," he said.

Nzamwita also mentioned that tea farmers replacing old plants will benefit from an affordable payment plan during pruning, and increased yields.

Tea farmer Bitonda Boniface added, "Initially, we were hesitant because we only thought about growing potatoes. But with improved seedlings, our harvests will increase, and the money is good. Tea farming has lifted us out of poverty and provides monthly income to support our children's education."

The PSAC project aims to plant 8 million tea seedlings across 520 hectares in the six districts this year, with a focus on expanding cultivated areas and replacing poorly performing tea plants.

In Rutsiro, 150 hectares will be planted with tea in 2025, and by 2029, 40 million seedlings will be planted across 2,410 hectares.