East Africa Mid-Year Harvest Update 2026

This article at a glance: 

• The Rwanda harvest is almost complete and estimated to be around 35% lower than last year, with quality remaining strong. 
• Uganda’s main Robusta harvest is running 4–6 weeks later than usual, tightening nearby supply, though volumes are expected to be broadly stable. 
• Tanzania’s harvest is set to ramp up soon, with slightly higher Arabica and Robusta volumes than last year.
• In Burundi, Sucafina continues to invest in farmer resilience, including through our IMPACT Beyond Flagship livestock project. 

Rwanda

Rwanda’s harvest is now approximately 88% complete, with overall production volumes expected to be around 35% lower than last year. Poor flowering earlier in the season has been the main driver. Following a reduction in the government’s fertilizer subsidy for coffee farmers, some producers have found it more difficult to access inputs, which has also affected yields.

With less coffee available, competition for cherry has intensified and prices have risen sharply. “Even so, quality has remained consistently strong throughout the season, which is encouraging as the harvest nears completion,” says Alain Fabrice Uwayo Baraka, Commercial Manager.

The recent increase in fuel prices has created additional cost pressure for processors. Higher fuel costs have affected transportation and processing expenses, contributing to a rise in the overall cost of coffee production across the supply chain.

As part of our long-term commitment to responsible sourcing, our team in Rwanda is currently renewing Rainforest Alliance and Organic certifications, alongside IMPACT verification. “This will ensure the continued availability of certified and verified coffees, giving buyers confidence in the traceability and sustainability of our sourcing,” says Celine Niwemugeni, Sustainability Manager.

Uganda

Uganda’s main Robusta harvest is now underway, but the season is running 4–6 weeks later than last year. Early pickings began in June, though the flow remains slow and the harvest peak is now expected in late July or August, tightening nearby supply, particularly for June and July shipment positions.

At this stage, total Robusta volumes are projected to be broadly in line with last season – around 3.9 million bags of FAQ. That said, early reports from Greater Masaka suggest some localized reductions of 5-10%, which we continue to monitor closely. Quality remains consistent with last year.

“The delayed start is largely weather-related,” explains Raymond Mugisha Muhwezi, Research Data Analyst. “Frequent rainfall in the central region ahead of the harvest has slowed cherry ripening and reduced early harvesting activity.” A recent correction in the London futures market has also affected selling behaviour, with some farmers and traders holding stock in anticipation of better prices.  

It is currently the off-season for Arabica cherry, so there is limited activity at this stage. “Semi-washed availability is still tight and differentials remain firm. The new crop looks promising, but we expect to have a clearer picture from mid-July,” says Loic Dugast, Arabica Supply Chain Coordinator.

Tanzania

Tanzania’s harvest has not fully started yet, but we expect it to begin gradually from the end of June, accelerate through July and peak in August, before ending in October.

“At this early stage, both Arabica and Robusta crop volumes are looking slightly higher than last year, thanks to favorable weather and new plantations coming into production across the country,” shares Kihara Victor, Commercial Manager.

This month marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of Kyejus Mill in Mbinga, a facility partially financed by Sucafina and operated by Kyejus, one of our long-term partners in Tanzania. “After a successful first season, we are looking forward to building on that partnership. This dedicated mill enables us to source parchment directly from farmers and maintain greater quality control from farmgate to FOB,” says Kihara.

On the sustainability side, we have expanded our AMCOS (Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society) loyalty program and are now working with 15 AMCOS. The program, which we run in partnership with TechnoServe, is designed to support improvements in yield, quality and farming practices across Tanzania’s Southern Highlands. We also expect to complete IMPACT re-verification, alongside Rainforest Alliance and C.A.F.E. Practices verification, in 2026.

Burundi

We continue to invest in farmer resilience in Burundi through our IMPACT Beyond Flagship livestock project. Funded through purchases of Burundi Sucafina Originals and select microlots, the project supports coffee farming families to diversify income and strengthen long-term resilience by providing livestock as a productive asset.

Goats’ manure, used as organic fertilizer, improves coffee productivity, while the animals’ milk, meat and offspring can support household nutrition and generate additional revenue streams. In 2025, we distributed 65 animals to coffee farming households at Rimiro Coffee Washing Station, with women farmers prioritized. Learn more about the project here.


Interested in learning more about our East Africa supply chains or booking coffee from these origins? Reach out to your trader to explore upcoming availability.