Rwanda Kirunga Lot 6 Nº 345

Founded in 2015 by the husband-and-wife team, Rutaganda Gaston and Mukantwaza Laeticia, Rwamatamu Coffee is a family-owned gem nestled in Rwanda’s western province, in the lush Nyamasheke district. Here, coffee isn’t just a crop — it’s a way of life. Rwamatamu is celebrated for producing exceptional coffee, championing sustainable practices, and making a real difference in the lives of local farmers.

Operating in one of Rwanda’s premier coffee-growing regions, Rwamatamu works hand-in-hand with local cooperatives, putting the economic and social well-being of their farmers first. Community isn’t just part of the business, it’s the heart of it. In Nyamasheke, Rwamatamu supports the Women’s Cooperative, providing land, seedlings, and hands-on training for women eager to cultivate coffee. These women grow and sell their coffee back to Rwamatamu, creating a stable, year-round income and building long-term financial security for families in the valley.

Over in Mbare, the focus is on the next generation. The Youth Association, open to locals aged 18–35, is designed to spark interest and develop skills in coffee farming. In 2024, Rwamatamu invested in three hectares of land for the group, supporting members with training, equipment, and seedlings. Empowering young people to shape the future of Rwandan coffee.

Kirunga, the name of this coffee, means “Volcano” in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda’s national language; a fitting name for coffee that erupts with vibrant, fruity flavors. At Rwamatamu’s Mbare washing station in Muhanga, southern province, every cherry is hand-sorted before being carefully placed in sealed tanks. Here, natural yeasts and bacteria work their magic, developing the fruity notes that make this coffee truly unforgettable. The beans then dry on raised beds for 26–33 days, depending on the weather, before being transported to Kigali for dehusking, polishing, and grading. Every cup of Rwamatamu Coffee tells a story: of family, community, and the passion that turns a humble bean into an extraordinary experience.