As RWACOF marks 30 years of operations in Rwanda, the company says the milestone represents a decisive shift in how it works with washing station owners, with the launch of a new partnership model aimed at reducing risk, improving professionalism, and stabilising the coffee value chain.

Founded in 1996, RWACOF has grown into one of Rwanda’s leading coffee platforms, supplying high-quality coffee to international markets and working closely with farmers, washing stations, and local communities.

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As part of the Sucafina network, RWACOF says its focus is increasingly on structure and predictability, as the sector faces ongoing challenges linked to price volatility, cash-flow pressure, and speculative trading.

A shift away from seasonal risk

According to RWACOF Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel Akiba, many washing station owners continue to operate under high uncertainty each season.

"Washing station owners play a critical role, but too often they carry most of the financial and market risk,” Akiba said. "This partnership model is designed to change that.”

Under the new model, RWACOF provides structured financing for cherry purchases, guarantees full offtake of parchment, and removes the need for washing station owners to speculate on market timing. In return, partners commit to clear operational standards, discipline, and transparency.

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RWACOF describes the model as a move away from short-term, transactional relationships toward long-term partnerships built on trust and consistency.

"This model allows partners to focus on processing quality and operations,” Akiba said. "Our role is to provide structure, market access, and stability.”

Building a more professional sector

RWACOF says the objective of the partnership model goes beyond company growth. By improving predictability and reducing seasonal risk, the company believes the approach can contribute to a more resilient and professional coffee sector in Rwanda.

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Looking ahead, RWACOF plans to expand its network of partner washing stations, while continuing to invest in systems that support traceability, quality control, and long-term relationships.

"As we mark 30 years, our priority is not to look back,” Akiba said. "It is to build a stronger way of working for the next generation of Rwanda’s coffee entrepreneurs.”

Because the future of Rwanda’s coffee will not be built by one actor alone.

It will be built through partnership.