Gisakura Tea Factory Struggles to Reach Full Capacity as Tea Picking Remains Limited

Nyamasheke, 13 August 2026 - Gisakura Tea Factory is operating at about 60% of its processing capacity, with management blaming insufficient tea supplies and a shortage of tea pickers. The factory can process up to 70 tonnes of fresh tea leaves a day but often receives only around 45 tonnes.

Director General Mugabo Kizito said the shortage of pickers is one of the main obstacles preventing the factory from using all three of its processing lines. The factory currently employs more than 3,000 people and plans to increase its workforce to 5,000. It is also building accommodation for up to 100 tea pickers to improve working conditions and increase production.

Established in 1965, Gisakura generates more than Rwf5 billion annually for residents of Nyamasheke through tea production. About 70% of its processed tea comes from farmers belonging to Coopthe Mwaga-Gisakura cooperative, while the remaining 30% is produced on the factory’s own plantations. Management plans to expand its plantation area from 330 to 670 hectares.

District authorities are also encouraging more people, particularly young people, to enter tea picking. Measures include establishing a daycare centre for workers’ children, increasing payment per kilogram of tea harvested and providing transport for tea pickers.

Tea remains one of Rwanda’s key export crops, generating more than $117 million annually. The country aims to increase tea export earnings to $164 million by 2029, up from $114 million in 2024. Rwanda currently has 19 tea processing factories, three of them located in Nyamasheke District.