The Wood Foundation Africa invests in Mushubi Tea Factory to boost Rwanda’s tea sector

The Wood Foundation Africa (TWFA) has acquired a co-majority stake in Mushubi Tea Factory in Nyamagabe District, in a move expected to expand the factory’s development, tea production, and increase opportunities for smallholder farmers in southern Rwanda. The investment, made in partnership with Rwanda Mountain Tea (RMT), will support additional tea planting, improve factory utilisation and broaden smallholder participation in the tea value chain. This was announced on September 9, 2026. Mushubi currently works with 1,973 smallholder farmers, with plans to bring an additional 2,500 farmers into the factory’s supply chain. Commissioned in 2013, the factory has an installed capacity to process 60 tonnes of green leaf per day. In 2026, it is projected to process 5.21 million kilogrammes of green leaf, produce 1.3 million kilogrammes of made tea and generate about $4.3 million in sales revenue. Investment to expand tea production The investment is expected to increase the factory’s throughput by expanding the area under tea and strengthening support to smallholder farmers. David Knopp, Chief Executive Officer of The Wood Foundation Africa, said the investment would help unlock Mushubi’s potential while creating opportunities for more rural farmers. “We are proud to be part of Mushubi and look forward to extending our successful partnership with Rwanda Mountain Tea to an additional premium garden in Rwanda. Mushubi is a relatively new development but with significant potential in a high-quality tea growing region. Through this investment, we look forward to not only maximizing factory throughput by planting out more smallholder tea, but through a continued focus on quality, creating real value and wealth for an additional 2,500 rural farmers.” Claude Bizimana, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), said the investment aligns with efforts to raise productivity, exports and farmer incomes. “Transforming Rwanda’s tea sector is an important part of our broader national transformation and export-led growth agenda. Government is committed to strategic reforms and partnerships that will increase productivity and scale up tea production, expand export revenues, create greater wealth and opportunities for smallholder farmers, and strengthen Rwanda’s position as a globally competitive tea origin,” he said. “Investments such as Mushubi demonstrate the role of private-sector partnerships in driving sustainable growth, advancing rural livelihoods, and delivering greater value for Rwanda and its people.” Alain Kabeja, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Mountain Tea, said the partnership would focus on improving the factory’s performance and expanding its smallholder base. “Rwanda Mountain Tea is pleased to deepen its partnership with The Wood Foundation Africa through this investment in Mushubi Tea Factory. Together, we aim to strengthen the factory’s performance, support the continued development of its smallholder catchment, and create long-term value across Rwanda’s tea value chain,” he said. “By combining our operational experience with TWFA’s long-term commitment to smallholder agriculture, we believe Mushubi can continue to grow as a strong, sustainable and competitive tea business that benefits farmers, communities and Rwanda’s wider tea sector. Seventh tea factory investment Mushubi is TWFA’s seventh tea-factory investment in Rwanda, following its investments in Mulindi, Shagasha, Gisovu, Pfunda, Rugabano and Nshili Kivu. The foundation also works through three tea-services companies in Nyaruguru and Rugabano districts, supporting more than 33,000 farmers to establish and manage tea farms. TWFA has operated in Rwanda since 2010, working with government, investors, businesses and farming communities to support the development of the tea sector through investment, farmer services and long-term partnerships. For more information about The Wood Foundation Africa and its work in Rwanda, visit its LinkedIn page or website. Mushubi Tea Factory at a glance Location: Buruhukiro Sector, Nyamagabe District Commissioned: October 2013 Factory capacity: 60 tonnes of green leaf per day Current smallholder farmers: 1,973 Current smallholder area: 732 hectares Additional planned tea planting: 1,000 hectares Additional farmers targeted: 2,500 Projected 2026 green leaf production: 5.21 million kg Projected 2026 made tea production: 1.3 million kg Projected 2026 revenue: $4.3 million Outgrower area: 808 hectares Company-owned tea area: 336 hectares

News

The Wood Foundation Africa invests in Mushubi Tea Factory to boost Rwanda’s tea sector