In the hills of Ruli Sector, Gakenke District, Dukunde Kawa Musasa Cooperative is celebrating a milestone that reflects a broader story in Rwanda’s coffee industry — one defined by resilience, growth, and community transformation.

The farmer-owned cooperative has marked 25 years of operations, tracing its journey from a small initiative formed to escape exploitation by middlemen to becoming one of Rwanda’s recognised coffee exporters.

ALSO READ: Rwanda’s coffee export revenues hit record $150m in 2025

Anniversary marked by impact and recognition

The anniversary event, held at its headquarters on March 25, blended celebration with impact. Twenty-five cows were distributed to farmers under the cooperative’s livestock support programme, which has now reached over 400 cows distributed since the programme began in 2008. Dividends and premiums were paid to members, while 21 students graduated from the Musasa Coffee School—a testament to its investment in both livelihoods and skills development.

Key partners were also honored, including Root Capital, a U.S.-based financial institution that has funded their operations since 2005 as their first client in Africa.

Other partners recognised included Starbucks FSC/RWANDA, Rabobank, RWASHOSCO Ltd, Progresso, REDI, Thanksgiving, ACDI/VOCA, USADF, MCM, BDF, Women Win, Fairtrade, and SGR. The Ministry of Defence was also presented with a trophy in acknowledgment of its long-standing support.

Former Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) staff whose contributions made a difference in the early days were honoured, including Col (Rtd) Eugene Haguma and Jérôme Mureramanzi, efforts that were impactful, among the many individuals recognised.

Growth driven by quality and farmer empowerment

Founded with a mission to secure fair prices for farmers, the cooperative has grown to 1,193 members. Its president, Virginie Uwingeneye, said the transformation has been driven by a commitment to quality and farmer empowerment.

"Today, we celebrate milestones including the establishment of a roasting plant, a cupping laboratory, a dry mill, and four coffee washing stations,” she said, adding that the cooperative now exports about 15 containers (roughly 290 tonnes) of green coffee speciality grade annually.

ALSO READ: Price of coffee cherries up by 25%

Uwingeneye recalled a time when farmers sold their coffee at low prices to intermediaries despite heavy investment in production — a challenge that inspired the cooperative’s formation.

She credited the cooperative’s progress to a strong focus on quality across the value chain, from seed selection to harvesting, alongside the use of organic fertilisers. Complementary initiatives such as livestock support and milk collection have further strengthened organic farming practices and household incomes.

Setbacks and recovery path

However, the journey has not been without setbacks.

Around 2008-2011 and 2019, the cooperative lost about Rwf90 million due to poor leadership, a crisis that triggered a decline in membership. Intervention by the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) helped restructure leadership and restore stability, setting the cooperative back on a recovery path.

Looking ahead, Uwingeneye pointed to persistent challenges, including poor road infrastructure and ageing coffee trees, calling for increased investment to sustain growth.

ALSO READ: Top 10 countries consuming Rwanda’s coffee

Founding vision and early support

A founding member and the cooperative’s first president, Anastase Minani, reflected on its humble beginnings with just 300 farmers seeking better returns.

He highlighted the critical role played by the Ministry of Defence in the early years—from supporting the construction of the first coffee washing station at Ruli and processing facilities to facilitating exposure visits to successful models such as Maraba Coffee.

"They also helped us access financing through Zigama CSS,” he said, noting that the support went beyond expectations.

Over the years, Minani said, the cooperative has significantly improved livelihoods, enabling farmers to boost production and educate their children up to university level.

Sector perspective and cooperative role

Sandrine Urujeni, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), commended the cooperative’s resilience and evolution.

She observed that its growth from a single washing station into a more integrated operation reflects strong cooperation and commitment.

Urujeni said the cooperative has played a key role in increasing farmers’ incomes, advancing women’s participation in specialty coffee, and supporting community initiatives such as early childhood development centres.

She also emphasised a broader shift in Rwanda’s coffee sector.

"Only 14 per cent of farmers are in cooperatives, but we encourage more to join because they benefit from shared knowledge and better market access,” she said.

According to Urujeni, ongoing efforts under the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture (PSTA 5) — which runs up to 2029 — aim to tackle challenges such as climate change and ageing coffee trees, including the distribution of improved seedlings.

Partners applaud impact and call for continuity

Representing the Ministry of Defence, Lt Col Alexandre Karasira said the institution is encouraged by the cooperative’s growth and impact.

"We are grateful that the cooperative has effectively used the support to empower the community through initiatives such as interest‑free microloans, cow deliveries, milk collection for farmers, and the establishment of ECD centres,” he said.

"We encourage you to continue this good work, as there is still more to be achieved.”

Local impact and future plans

The Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Gakenke District, Aimé François Niyonsenga, described the cooperative as a key driver of local development.

"We are proud of Dukunde Kawa Musasa Cooperative, whose 25 years of work have empowered members and the community. Its MUSASA Coffee has strengthened the district’s brand, and its initiatives—from supporting families and women to contributing to infrastructure—have also boosted our Imihigo performance,” he said

He added that the district plans to replace about one million ageing coffee trees and expand coffee farming by at least 300 hectares under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

On infrastructure, Niyonsenga said the Giticyinyoni–Muhondo–Ruli–Gakenke road is expected to be considered in the 2026/2027 fiscal year — a development that could further ease transport and unlock the cooperative’s next phase of growth.