Dukunde Kawa Visit from Rwanda

Rwanda is a remarkable nation of resilience and growth, one that stands out not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its vibrant coffee culture. Over 400,000 smallholder producers contribute to the production of coffee, a crop that has become deeply intertwined with Rwanda’s recovery and progress.

The Dukunde Kawa Musasa Cooperative exemplifies the transformative potential of coffee. Founded in 2003 with the support of the Rwandan government and the USAID-financed PEARL project, the cooperative emerged as a beacon of opportunity for smallholder producers. The PEARL project was designed to restore coffee production in Rwanda, rekindling the livelihoods of those who had suffered so greatly. Since then, Dukunde Kawa Musasa has grown into one of Rwanda’s most influential cooperatives, operating four washing stations and supporting countless producers.

Since 2007, Mercanta has had the privilege of partnering with Dukunde Kawa Musasa, sharing a commitment to quality, sustainability, and the empowerment of smallholder farmers. It is through partnerships like these, alongside the dedication of roasters worldwide, that the cooperative is shaping a brighter future for Rwandan coffee, ensuring it reaches its full potential on the global stage.

In February, Mercanta had the honor of hosting Ernest Nshimyimana, Managing Director of Dukunde Kawa Musasa, in the UK. His visit, sponsored by Mercanta, was part of a broader initiative to build stronger relationships with our roaster clients and to gain valuable insights into the UK coffee market. This visit was a poignant moment, providing Ernest with the opportunity to witness the journey of Rwandan coffee from its origins as cherries picked by smallholder producers to its final form, roasted and celebrated in specialty cafes across the country. Ernest’s visit was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the coffee community and the passion that drives it.

During his time in the UK, Ernest visited roasters and attended events, including those hosted at Mercanta’s Glasgow office and the London School of Coffee. He had the chance to meet over 40 roasters who work with the coffee brought to life by the cooperative. It was a deeply meaningful experience, seeing the impact of their shared work reflected in the enthusiasm of those roasting and serving Rwandan coffee to the world. Visits to roasters such as Colonna in Bath, Carvetti, and Extract allowed Ernest to personally connect with the people bringing Rwandan coffee to life in new and exciting ways.

The work of Dukunde Kawa Musasa is a testament to the strength of collaboration, the value of community, and the unwavering spirit of Rwandan producers. Mercanta looks forward to continuing this partnership, supporting the cooperative’s vision, and celebrating the exceptional coffees that will undoubtedly emerge from Rwanda for years to come.