Celebrating Rwanda Abakundakawa: A Coffee Co-op Powered by Women and Community

Rooted in Love for Coffee and Community

Abakundakawa—meaning “coffee lovers” in Kinyarwanda—was founded in 1999 as a small association of 100 growers in Rwanda’s Gakenke district. At a time when individual farmers struggled to access markets, this group united to create something stronger together. By 2004, the cooperative was officially registered, and what began as a small alliance is now a thriving community of over 6,000 farmers.

Empowering Farmers and Building Sustainable Futures

Today, Abakundakawa sources coffee from 2,272 cooperative members and 3,800 neighboring farmers, all contributing cherries to two fully owned washing stations: Minazi and Rushashi. These stations can process up to 1,800 tonnes of cherries annually—an incredible leap from the cooperative’s humble beginnings of just one container of green coffee per year! Their beans are now prized in North America and Europe for their complex, fruit-forward flavor profile.

Women Leading the Way

What sets Abakundakawa apart is its commitment to gender equity. The cooperative is home to two prominent women’s groups: Duhingekawa and Abanyameraka. These associations empower women through training programs like tailoring, where they teach vocational skills and generate alternative sources of income. Their impact ripples through the community, as women often reinvest earnings into education and healthcare, uplifting everyone around them.

More Than Just Coffee

Abakundakawa isn’t only about producing high-quality coffee—it’s a cornerstone of community development. Democratically elected leaders oversee projects that provide fresh water, health insurance, and dairy cows through NGO partnerships. These initiatives address food security and healthcare access, making the co-op a sustainable engine for social good.

Our Mother’s Day Tribute: World's Best Espresso Roast

To honor the remarkable women behind Abakundakawa—and the greatest women in our lives—we've selected this exceptional single origin as our limited-edition Mother’s Day/World’s Best Espresso Roast. This natural process coffee shines with ripe and dried fruit notes, and finishes with a juicy grape character. It’s a beautiful reflection of the care, resilience, and excellence that defines Abakundakawa—and moms everywhere.