Our Journey from Passion to Sustainable Impact

Cyesha Coffee Ltd. is a leading Rwandan private company (Reg No 107639539), established in 2018, renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality specialty coffee and championing sustainable development in Rwanda.

Our story began in 2015 with Gerard Trading Company, which initially focused on processing coffee cherries at the Mugeyo Coffee Washing Station for national and international markets. Over three years, we observed intense competition for limited coffee cherries and the low productivity of aging coffee trees, alongside the disproportionately low returns for dedicated Rwandan coffee farmers. This critical insight fueled the evolution to Cyesha Coffee Ltd. Our core mission emerged: to become a premier coffee production hub, delivering exceptional coffee while profoundly supporting our local community and advancing Rwanda’s sustainable development goals.

Under the visionary leadership of co-founders Mr. Gerard Nkunzurwanda and Mr. Janvier Nzayikorera,and other members whose family roots run deep in Rwandan coffee farming, we began cultivating 93,000 coffee trees. This initiative wasn’t just about expansion; it was about providing local farmers with direct access to crucial training and best practices for high-quality coffee cultivation. Our company thrives on a passion for outstanding coffee, coupled with an unwavering commitment to community empowerment, environmental stewardship, enhanced agricultural productivity, and minimizing negative environmental impact.

Our Strategic Location: The Heart of Rwandan Coffee Excellence

Cyesha Coffee Ltd. is strategically situated in the Vugangoma cell of Macuba sector, within the picturesque Nyamasheke district of Rwanda’s Western Province. Our extensive 75-hectare coffee plantations flourish at an ideal altitude of 1890 meters. This prime location places us firmly within the globally recognized Kivu Belt coffee-growing zone, bordered by the lush Nyungwe National Park.

This unique geographical positioning offers unparalleled advantages for producing superior Rwandan coffee:

• High Altitude Coffee: Ensuring the slow maturation of coffee cherries, which is critical for developing complex and nuanced flavor profiles.
• Volcanic Soil: Rich in essential nutrients, our fertile volcanic soils provide the perfect foundation for healthy and robust coffee tree growth.
• Abundant Rainfall: Consistent and ample rainfall is vital for the optimal development and yield of our coffee trees.

Beyond cultivation, our strategic location provides convenient access to essential infrastructure, including reliable transportation networks, consistent electricity supply, clean water resources, and a sufficient, skilled local workforce, all crucial for efficient and sustainable operations.

Our Guiding Principles: Mission, Vision, Objectives & Values

At Cyesha Coffee Ltd., our operations are anchored by a clear set of principles driving our commitment to a sustainable future for Rwandan agriculture.

• Our Mission: To propel the agricultural coffee sector towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly future through the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology and smart agriculture techniques.
• Our Vision: To be a leading coffee production hub, globally recognized for its high-quality coffee, and a significant, measurable contributor to Rwanda’s sustainable development goals and national Vision 2050.

To achieve this vision, we are steadfastly committed to the following objectives:

• Produce high-quality coffee to meet diverse customer and global market needs.
• Create robust employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, fostering economic growth.
• Reduce agricultural costs through efficient, innovative practices.
• Enhance Rwanda’s reputation for eco-friendly agriculture on the international stage.
• Develop environmentally sound and technologically advanced solutions from raw materials, championing circular economy principles.

Key Strengths: The Pillars of Our Success

Cyesha Coffee Ltd. leverages unique advantages that position us for continued success and impact:

• Strategic Location in Rwanda: Unparalleled access to essential natural resources, critical infrastructure, and a dedicated, skilled local workforce.
• Unwavering Commitment to Sustainability: Integration of environmentally friendly practices and eco-friendly coffee production throughout our entire value chain, from farm to cup.
• Technological Innovation in Agriculture: Continuously leveraging advanced solutions to enhance productivity, efficiency, and environmental performance.
• Profound Community Focus: Deeply embedded in rural development in Rwanda, empowering local farmers and contributing directly to their livelihoods.
• Visionary Leadership: Guided by a clear vision and an enduring commitment to Rwanda’s sustainable development goals and its national aspirations.

Cultivating & Processing: The Art of Specialty Coffee

Cyesha Coffee Ltd. specializes in cultivating premium Arabica Bourbon, Arabica F1 Coffee Hybrid, and RAB C15 coffee varieties, all celebrated for their exceptional cup quality and distinct flavor profiles. We employ meticulous agricultural practices, from careful harvesting to advanced processing methods, to ensure the highest quality beans.

Our commitment to excellence shines through our diverse specialty coffee processing techniques:

• Natural Fermentation
• Honey Processing
• Anaerobic Fermentation

This dedication to quality extends to the regular supervision and comprehensive training of our workforce, ensuring strict adherence to best practices and optimal yields, ultimately delivering an unparalleled coffee experience.

Community & Sustainability: Our Holistic Impact

Cyesha Coffee Ltd. is more than a coffee producer; we are a dedicated force for positive change in Rwanda. Our deep commitment to supporting our community and promoting sustainable development is reflected in a range of impactful socioeconomic and environmental activities:

• Healthcare Support: Providing crucial health insurance for underprivileged families within our communities.
• Infrastructure Development: Actively participating in renovating homes, ensuring access to clean water distribution, and building vital community bridges.
• Financial Assistance: Offering invaluable interest-free loans to our partner coffee farmers, providing crucial support while they await their coffee harvest.
• Environmental Protection: Leading initiatives in agroforestry, distributing trees to combat deforestation, and digging anti-erosive terraces to preserve precious soil.
• Gender Equality and Youth Engagement: Creating meaningful employment opportunities and actively empowering women and young people within the vibrant coffee sector.

We are passionately dedicated to fostering positive change in Rwanda and contributing to the global coffee industry. Our pursuit of exceptional coffee goes hand-in-hand with empowering our community and rigorously protecting our shared environment.

Global Partnerships & Engagements: Driving Innovation and Resilience

Cyesha Coffee Ltd. actively strengthens the coffee sector through strategic partnerships and engagement in reputable global initiatives:

• World Coffee Research (WCR): Our collaboration with WCR primarily focuses on ensuring the widespread availability of resilient Arabica F1 coffee hybrids, crucial for future coffee sustainability.
• UNDP Climate Action: Inspired by the United Nations Development Programme, COCAH is actively implementing climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in the coffee sector. Our proposal, “Creating a pilot site for supporting coffee farmers to overcome the negative impacts associated with climate change via optimal use of long-term and short-term climate adaptation strategies specific for the coffee sector in Nyamasheke district, Rwanda,” demonstrates our commitment to environmentally sound technologies for climate change resilience. You can review the full proposal on the CTCN Website
• International Trade Centre (ITC) MARKUP II: In collaboration with the ITC, Cyesha Coffee Ltd. proudly participates in the EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II). This regional development initiative aims to foster economic growth within the East African Community (EAC) through robust private sector development.
• TechnoServe Rwanda: We have partnered with TechnoServe Rwanda in a joint effort to significantly enhance coffee cultivation practices within Rwandan communities, further empowering local farmers and improving yields. Learn more about their impactful work: