Burundi and Rwanda Harvest Update 2025/2026

Here are some of the key takeaways: 

• Burundi's 2025/2026 coffee harvest is expected to reach 12,000 MT, with quality expected to remain high. 
• Rwanda’s 2025/2026 harvest is expected to reach 18,000 MT, with anticipated quality improvements. 
• Sucafina continues to invest in farmers and supply chains in both countries through IMPACT, our responsible sourcing program. Initiatives from livestock distribution projects to Good Agricultural Practices trainings are helping farmers to improve their income and enhance coffee quality.  

Burundi 

In Burundi, we reached out to Nestor Mboninyibuka, Operations Manager; Monia Marimbu, Logistics Manager; and Ibrahim Abdul Nshimirimana, Commercial and Sustainability Manager. They shared their insights into this year's harvest, highlighting its volume and quality, as well as the sustainability projects Sucafina is supporting within the supply chain. 

Harvest Outlook: Volume and Quality 

Our forecast for Burundi’s 2025 harvest indicates a moderate yield, with an estimated 12,000 MT of green coffee projected. While rainfall levels have generally been within the regional average, February experienced less rain than usual. However, field visits have shown that soil moisture remains relatively high and rainfall resumed in early March. This suggests that the coffee trees should have adequate water available, reducing stress and likely improving coffee quality. The coming weeks will be crucial in assessing the final outlook for the season. 

Based on these conditions, we expect this year's crop size to be similar to last year's. The harvest is expected to begin in late March with a soft start as the early cherries are picked. All washing stations are expected to be in full swing by April 10, with the last cherries harvested in July. Thanks to the robust processes we have in place and a keen focus on quality, we are confident that this season’s harvest will showcase the best of Burundi’s coffee, delivering exceptional specialty and commercial grades.   

Regulatory and Market Changes 

Regulatory and market dynamics often shift close to harvest time, impacting operations. However, early indications suggest that we will be able to operate in a stable environment. Despite this uncertainty, we have contingency plans in place, including labor resources and flexible logistics solutions, to ensure we can respond to any changes in regulations or market conditions. 

Our Sustainability Efforts in Burundi 

We’re actively expanding our certified offerings from Burundi, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, farmer prosperity and providing traceable, high-quality coffee to roasters. In addition to working with Rainforest Alliance (RA) certified supply chains, our team is now supporting farmers to achieve C.A.F.E. Practices certification this year.  

Additionally, coffees from across Burundi are available through IMPACT, our responsible sourcing program. IMPACT assures long-term, sustainable supply chain performance through data-driven insights and transformative projects in key areas such as living income and human rights.  

One of our key initiatives we’re implementing in Burundi is our livestock distribution program, which improves farming households income, while also providing a source of organic fertilizer, enhancing coffee quality. 

In 2024, we completed GPS data collection and began polygon mapping of our IMPACT supply chain for enhanced traceability. This year, we are conducting a micro-risk assessment to strengthen supply chain resilience by identifying factors that could impact supply continuity or sustainability compliance.  

Our supply chain has now been fully assessed as deforestation-free, and we are proud to be a front runner in having our supply chain EUDR-ready in Burundi. In addition, we are collaborating with government bodies and NGOs to share best practices and support other actors in the country in meeting these standards. 

IMPACT-verified coffee is still available for the 2024/2025 crop, and we are looking forward to increasing available volumes for 2025/2026 crop.   

Rwanda

Rwanda’s 2025/2026 harvest is projected to surpass last year’s with an expected increase in volume. Alain Fabrice Uwayo, Acting Commercial Manager, and Philotée Mukiza, Sustainability Manager, in our Rwanda team are optimistic about this year’s harvest, and shared some promising updates.  

Harvest Forecast: Volume and Quality 

Rwanda’s 2025/2026 coffee harvest shows strong potential compared to the previous season. We anticipate a volume of 18,000 MT, and although the eastern region has experienced drought, it has started easing up thanks to recent rains.  

The repeal of Rwanda’s zoning policy in early 2024 came as a surprise and significantly impacted our coffee quality last season. Previously, the policy required growers to sell their coffee exclusively within designated geographic areas, helping maintain quality control and consistency. With its sudden removal, coffee cherries could be traded freely across the country, resulting in longer travel times and an increased risk of unwanted fermentation. Consequently, the quality of the 2024 crop was noticeably lower. 

In response to this challenge, Sucafina has taken decisive action to address the issue for the 2025 season. We have revamped our pricing structure to incentivize farmers to deliver their coffee on foot directly to the nearest washing stations, minimizing transport distances and reducing the risk of quality degradation. Additionally, we have set up strategic collecting sites near washing stations to encourage farmers to use these designated points instead of intermediaries. By offering fair compensation and aligning incentives with direct delivery, we are confident in making a strong comeback in quality this season. 

Our proactive adaptation reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards and supporting farmers in this new regulatory environment. 

Sustainability Initiatives in Rwanda 

70% of our Rwandan coffee is certified with Rainforest Alliance (RA), Fairtrade, Organic and our own IMPACT Program. IMPACT-verified coffee is available in Rwanda and our team is actively training farmers on IMPACT standards to prepare for the next audit in 2026. 

Through our IMPACT surveys, we are monitoring key supply chain data, including emissions and regenerative agricultural practices. 94% of our supply chain has been geotagged and mapped so far, enabling us to conduct thorough deforestation risk assessments for these plots.  

 Along with a key roaster partner, RWACOF (Sucafina in Rwanda) is working with farmers to strengthen climate resilience in Rwanda. Agroforestry – integrating trees into farms and agricultural systems – can help to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through carbon sequestration. Since the project’s inception, we’ve distributed over 400,000 trees to farmers. We collaborate with over 20,000 farmers, providing training on soil health management, including input application, coffee rejuvenation and other Good Agriculture Practices (GAPs). We also establish demonstration plots to showcase best practices and collect and analyze soil samples to further support farmers with the required inputs. 

Empowering Farmers & Strengthening Livelihoods 

Supporting and creating value in the farmers at the heart of our industry remains a top priority. We partner with Kahawatu Foundation on numerous projects aimed at fostering sustainable livelihoods for small-scale coffee producers in Rwanda and Burundi. These programs focus on inclusiveness, empowerment and capacity building, particularly for women and young farmers. Key initiatives we’ve implemented include: distributing seedlings to boost crop productivity, enhancing farmers’ access to financial services by facilitating the set-up of financial associations and supporting small business development through agricultural and livestock assistance. 

These efforts reflect our commitment to promoting sustainability and supporting the communities that contribute to our coffee supply chain. As the harvest continues, we remain dedicated to supporting those who make our supply chain possible – the farmers. 

Interested in learning more about our Burundi or Rwanda supply chains or booking coffee from these origins? Get in touch with your trader to explore our offerings.