Rwanda Showcases Coffee and Tea at Marrakech Festival, Expands International Market

Marrakech, Morocco - Rwanda has made a strong debut at the first-ever Marrakech Coffee & Tea Festival, highlighting its coffee and tea industries to an international audience. The festival, launched on December 6, 2025, was chaired by Moroccan Minister of Infrastructure and Water, Nizar Baraka, alongside Rwandan Ambassador to Morocco, Umutoni Shakilla.

A total of 16 Rwandan businessmen presented high-quality coffee and tea, renowned globally for their unique taste and originality, providing an opportunity for Rwandan investors to forge partnerships and explore international markets.

Robinah Uwera, Head of Public Relations at the National Development Bank (RDB), said, “The first round of talks went well, with Rwandan businessmen engaging investors in discussions that promise new steps in cooperation.”

Coffee and tea exports have been a significant contributor to Rwanda’s growing export earnings.

Tea earned $114.88 million in 2023/2024, a 7.1% increase from the previous year.

Coffee earned $116.1 million in 2024/2025, up 47.4%, with projections of $192 million this year from 32,000 tons of exports.

NAEB CEO Claude Bizimana emphasized Rwanda’s global recognition:“Rwanda is known worldwide for its high-altitude Arabica Bourbon coffee, which is famous for its unique taste and quality. We also continue to lead in international markets with CTC, orthodox, and green tea.”

Rwanda has over 400,000 coffee farmers, each managing around 300 trees, and has prioritized diverse coffee processing methods to cater to specialized consumer markets.

The festival provided a platform for trade and collaboration.

PSF COO Faustin Karasira said, “The Moroccan market has welcomed our products. We see great opportunities to partner with CCISM in Marrakech, increase trade, and build sustainable development.”

Discussions will continue, including trade visits and talks on market expansion, allowing Rwandan traders to expand networks, attract buyers, and explore investment opportunities.

“We did not come just to display products; we came to build relationships. Morocco welcomed us, and we are confident that the discussions will generate tangible business,” Karasira added.

The festival highlighted Rwanda’s ambition to strengthen cooperation, attract buyers, and sign export and processing agreements, positioning the country as a key player in the global coffee and tea market.