He made the remarks on Thursday while opening the three-day African Coffee and Tea Expo (ACT Expo 2026) in Kigali. The event has brought together farmers, industry leaders, processors, exporters, investors, policymakers, and economic stakeholders from across the continent.
Dr. Ndabamenye encouraged young people to venture into coffee and tea farming, processing, and trade, describing the sectors as some of the country’s most promising opportunities for wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic growth.
Over the past five years, Rwanda’s coffee exports have generated more than $527 million, while tea exports have earned over $533 million, highlighting the growing contribution of the two cash crops to the national economy and foreign exchange earnings.
The coffee and tea industries are also among Rwanda’s largest employers. More than 400,000 people are engaged in coffee cultivation and processing, while over 100,000 people work in tea farming and tea factories across the country.
The minister noted that Rwanda has built a strong international reputation for producing specialty coffee and high-quality tea, products that continue to attract buyers in premium markets across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. He emphasized that maintaining high production standards, embracing innovation, and improving value addition will be essential to sustaining that reputation.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening every stage of the value chain—from farming and harvesting to processing, packaging, branding, and export to ensure producers earn higher returns while making Rwanda more competitive on the global market.
Participants at the expo are expected to discuss ways to boost productivity, improve climate resilience, expand market access, and increase investment in Africa’s coffee and tea industries. The exhibition also provides an opportunity for businesses to showcase new technologies, build partnerships, and explore regional and international trade opportunities.
The African Coffee and Tea Expo (ACT Expo 2026) is expected to reinforce Rwanda’s position as a regional hub for agricultural innovation and trade while supporting the country’s broader ambition of increasing the value and global recognition of its coffee and tea exports.
