Rwanda has showcased its historic Mibirizi Arabica coffee in Japan as the country seeks to expand its presence in the premium coffee market and create new opportunities for local farmers. The variety was presented on Friday, October 16, at the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Tokyo, where international coffee professionals sampled its distinctive flavour profile ahead of its first international auction on October 21. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s coffee export revenues hit record $150m in 2025 The presentation, organised by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), highlighted efforts to revive Mibirizi, a coffee variety first cultivated in Rwanda in 1904. It was revived after years at risk of disappearing from the country’s coffee landscape. The launch included a guided tasting that introduced participants to the coffee's floral aromas and flavour characteristics, with the aim of generating interest among international buyers and specialty coffee traders. The first international auction of pure Rwanda Mibirizi is scheduled for October 21, alongside the Best of Rwanda coffee auction. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan, Marie Claire Mukasine, said the revival of the variety connects the country’s coffee heritage with opportunities in premium markets. “The revival of Mibirizi is a proud achievement for Rwanda. It connects our coffee heritage with new opportunities in premium markets. We are pleased to share this unique variety with Japanese partners and consumers,” she said. ALSO READ: A look at Rwanda’s evolving coffee farming The revival of Mibirizi coffee involved research, seed management, engagement with farmers and efforts to improve coffee quality, according to NAEB. The initiative is part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to increase the value of its coffee exports by promoting distinctive varieties and connecting producers with international buyers. Promoting Rwanda’s specialty coffee The Mibirizi launch followed a Best of Rwanda seminar organised by NAEB on Wednesday, October 14, which showcased coffees recognised through the 2026 edition of the national competition. The seminar featured presentations on Rwanda’s coffee sector, coffee-tasting sessions and discussions on opportunities for producers, exporters and international buyers. Launched in 2024 by NAEB, with support from the Coffee Exporters and Processors Association of Rwanda (CEPAR), Best of Rwanda is a competition and auction initiative designed to reward quality coffee production, increase the visibility of Rwandan coffee and help farmers secure better prices. The initiative gives international buyers an opportunity to sample selected coffee brands and explore sourcing partnerships directly with Rwanda’s coffee industry. Mukasine said the country’s coffee represents both an economic opportunity and a source of national pride. “Rwanda’s coffee reflects the dedication of our farmers and the richness of our land. Through Best of Rwanda, we are building stronger recognition for Rwandan coffee and creating opportunities that benefit communities across the country,” she said. ALSO READ: ‘Build Together’: Rwandan women coffee farmers connect with global delegates Rwanda’s participation in the three-day SCAJ exhibition brought together coffee farmers, cooperative leaders, exporters and other sector representatives. The delegation was led by Sandrine Urujeni, NAEB’s Chief Operations Officer, and included 20 coffee farmers, cooperative chief executives and sector representatives. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan also attended the sessions, alongside the Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The participation of farmers and cooperative leaders provided an opportunity to engage with Japanese coffee professionals, learn about the specialty coffee market and explore potential business relationships. Rwanda is also expected to participate in the World Coffee Exhibition in Tokyo in 2027, providing another opportunity to promote its coffee and engage with international industry players.
