For some consumers, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a part of life. Kivu Noir has emerged as a beacon of excellence, showcasing the richness of Rwandan coffee culture to the world.
Rooted in sustainability, community development, and uncompromised quality, Kivu Noir, founded in 2018 through Caferwa Ltd, is a leader in Rwanda’s coffee industry.
The company operates five coffee washing stations located in different regions in Rwanda: Nkora, Buliza, Shangi, Kigeme, and Cyebumba. These stations are strategically positioned in different microclimates, allowing Caferwa to grow coffee beans with distinct flavor profiles and contribute to the rich taste of Rwandan coffee.
In its earlier days, Caferwa focused on wholesale coffee exports, positioning it as a commodity to the global market. This business model was successful in many respects, but it left the local farmers vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
The launch of Kivu Noir changed everything. By roasting and packaging coffee locally, Caferwa didn’t just create a product – a brand was born, signaling a transformative shift towards value addition, sustainability, and direct consumer engagement. This transformation not only ensured better returns but also allowed Rwanda to showcase its coffee directly to global consumers.
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Between 2020 and 2022, Arabica coffee prices fluctuated, driven by climate shifts and global production uncertainties. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened the situation with shipping delays and labor shortages, further increasing coffee commodity prices.
For companies reliant on raw coffee exports, these fluctuations brought many challenges, however Caferwa adapted by shifting from green coffee exports to roasted coffee production. According to the company, in 2018, green coffee made up 90% of the company sales but, by 2023, this had dropped to 70%. Caferwa aims to strategically grow the sale of roasted coffee to account for 80% of its revenue by 2025-2026.
Behind Kivu Noir’s success are over 7,000 Rwandan farmers who do more than grow coffee; they shape its future. The company ensures fair pay, healthcare, and education for these farmers, making them true partners in the business.
The company’s focus on roasted coffee and direct consumer sales allows it to mitigate these price fluctuations by controlling every stage of production from growing and harvesting to roasting and packaging the final product, locally. And it shields farmers from the volatile swings of the global commodity market, creating a sustainable model for all.
Kivu Noir continues to grow its visibility on the global stage by offering consumers direct delivery through its website by shipping the commodity to coffee lovers around the world to enjoy.
The impact of the brand and its parent company, Caferwa, go beyond coffee. Through the Brewing Dreams project, the company is able to grow coffee communities through the sale of value-added products. On the national day of community service in Rwanda (Umuganda Day), all coffee sales from Kivu Noir’s cafés are donated to support educational and care initiatives, helping the families of its farmers and fostering community empowerment.
The initiative benefits farming communities by building nurseries and daycare schools at coffee washing stations; and it started with the Nkora region. In 2023, a school, built in collaboration with the Roy Everest Junior Foundation, celebrated its 10th anniversary. The expansion of this initiative
to other coffee washing stations is underway, beginning with Buliza, as part of Caferwa’s strategic plan to extend the project.
Kivu Noir has already established a strong presence in Kigali, with cafés in Kimihurura and Norrsken House. These cafes have become hubs for professionals, entrepreneurs, and tourists who go to enjoy a premium coffee experience in dynamic, community-driven environments. Each café showcases the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability, offering consumers a taste of Rwanda’s finest coffee.
The brand’s expansion will continue with a new café opening in Zaria Court, Kigali’s latest urban development. These ambitions also extend internationally, with plans for a flagship café in Dubai, tapping into the UAE’s growing specialty coffee market.
Kivu Noir’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and excellence and is set to redefine Rwandan coffee, with a focus on value addition, maintaining sustainable relationships with farmers, and establishing its presence globally. This will gradually pave the way for Rwanda to become a leader in specialty coffee production worldwide.
As the brand continues to evolve, both locally and internationally, one value remains constant: a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Whether in Kigali or on the global stage, Kivu Noir is sharing Rwanda’s coffee story with the world, one cup at a time. With every sip, it connects people to Rwanda’s journey — a celebration of community, culture, and the power of doing things differently.
For more information, please visit www.kivunoir.coffee
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