Rwanda's Mountain Tea: Farmers Cultivate Global Recognition

Daftar Isi

A Quiet Revolution in Rwanda’s Tea Industry

Across the heartlands of Rwanda, a quiet transformation is taking place. This shift is driven by discipline, shared ambition, and an unwavering belief that world-class quality begins with the farmer. The tea industry, one of Rwanda’s most significant agricultural exports, is witnessing a remarkable evolution that is redefining its role in both the local economy and global markets.

Celebrating Progress and Recognizing Excellence

On December 6, farmers and tea pluckers across several key locations, including Kitabi, Gatare, Rutsiro, Rubaya, Nyabihu, Gisakura, Mata, Mushubi, and Nshiri-Kivu, gathered to celebrate progress. These events, held at factory sites, were marked by music, traditional performances, and heartfelt gratitude. More than just festive occasions, they symbolize a deeper message: Rwanda’s tea industry is becoming a model of quality, ethics, and community transformation.

Quality begins in the field, and for Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd (RMT), this principle is not just a slogan—it is a disciplined approach embedded in every stage of the value chain. Nick Munyi, Chairman of the Rwanda Mountain Tea Board, emphasized that exceptional tea starts long before it reaches the factory floor. “The quality of tea must start from the farmer,” he said. “From plucking to transportation and delivery at the factory, we urge our farmers to bring us the best tea.”

Munyi highlighted that RMT’s strength lies in its close engagement with farmers, ensuring alignment in expectations and strategies. He also pointed out that while the company has achieved tremendous success in producing high-quality tea, there is still a journey ahead—showcasing these teas to major packers globally.

Honoring Outstanding Contributions

These celebrations also serve as an opportunity to honor outstanding farmers and tea pluckers. Those who excelled in productivity and quality received awards ranging from bicycles to mattresses and even cows, which remain a symbol of dignity and economic security in rural Rwanda.

One such story is that of Theogene Nsabimana, a 42-year-old farmer from Kabaya Sector in Ngororero District. He began as a tea plucker earning as little as Rwf 1,500 to Rwf 2,000 per day but through determination and support from RMT, he has built a thriving tea-farming business. After receiving a cow through the support programme, he was able to expand his operations and now owns two hectares of land, delivering up to one tonne of tea to the factory each month.

Another farmer, Florence Mukandayisenga, testified to the power of tea farming as a gateway to self-reliance. She purchased her first tea field for Rwf 1.5 million and benefited from RMT’s livestock programme, now envisioning herself as an employer rather than just a plucker.

Impact Through Cooperatives

The impact of RMT is also visible through cooperatives. Dieudonné Iraguha, a member of the 1,886-strong COTRAGAGI cooperative in Rubaya, shared how the partnership with RMT has propelled their members to new economic heights. Since working with the Rubaya Tea Factory, the cooperative has grown significantly, acquiring eight vehicles, expanding forestry resources, and building assets exceeding Rwf 1 billion.

Iraguha called for continued technical support and training from RMT to boost both quality and quantity, aligning with the company’s long-term strategy.

Economic Growth and Government Support

Rwanda’s tea industry remains a crucial source of revenue. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, the sector generated Rwf166 billion from the export of 38,467.7 tonnes of processed tea. Nearly 50,000 farmers, organized into 23 cooperatives, rely on this industry for their livelihoods.

Under the government’s Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5), Rwanda aims to reach over Rwf253 billion in tea revenue from 58,600 metric tonnes by 2029. RMT is positioned as a key driver of this growth.

In June 2025, the Specialized Export Quality Infrastructure (SEQI) laboratory was inaugurated, marking a major advance in the country’s testing capacity and global market competitiveness. This facility strengthens Rwanda’s ability to certify agricultural products against international standards, supporting the broader strategy to diversify exports and secure sustainable growth.

Community Welfare and Inclusivity

RMT’s impact extends beyond production, reflected in its strong commitment to community welfare and inclusivity. The company supports clean water access in surrounding villages, strengthens local education through assistance to schools and early childhood development centres, builds homes for vulnerable families, contributes to community health insurance, and backs national initiatives such as the Girinka one-cow-per-family programme.

Today, more than 400 children aged between 0 and 3 benefit from Early Childhood Development (ECD) established around RMT factories. Charles Kenge Iruta, Sales and Marketing Manager, emphasized that at the heart of all these efforts is a simple truth: farmers remain the backbone of Rwanda’s tea success.

Looking Ahead

As 2025 draws to a close, RMT reaffirmed its commitment to partnership, innovation, and a shared journey toward prosperity. With over 3,000 employees, the company’s success is the result of hard work and a shared vision. It celebrates every member of its staff, recognizing their vital role in the company’s mission to deliver unique, high-quality, healthy, and ethical tea to global markets.

RMT prides itself on being a force for good, driving economic growth and social upliftment. As the company continues to invest in its people and communities, the future of Rwanda’s tea industry looks increasingly promising.