This year’s harvests in Burundi and Rwanda are just getting underway, and early projections indicate good-quality cherries, with an estimated total of around 30,000 metric tons (MT) between the two countries. We reached out to our Sucafina colleagues for their insights on what to expect this season. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Burundi’s 2025/2026 coffee harvest is expected to reach 12,000 MT, with quality improvements anticipated. 

• Rwanda’s 2025/2026 harvest is projected at 18,000 MT, with quality expected to hold strong. 

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Burundi

We checked in with Nestor Mboninyibuka, Operations Manager; Monia Marimbu, Logistics Manager; and Ibrahim Abdul Nshimirimana, Commercial and Sustainability Manager, to get a closer look at this year’s harvest. They shared insights on volume, quality and the sustainability work Sucafina is driving within the supply chain. 

Harvest Outlook: Volume and Quality 

The forecast for Burundi’s 2025 harvest suggests a moderate yield, with an estimated 12,000 MT of green coffee. While rainfall levels have generally been in line with regional averages, February saw less rain than expected. However, field visits confirm that soil moisture remains high, and rains picked back up in early March. This suggests that the coffee trees should have adequate water available, reducing stress and likely improving coffee quality. The next few weeks will be key in determining the final outlook. 

With these conditions, this year’s crop size is expected to be similar to last year’s. The harvest will likely start in late March with an early picking phase, and all washing stations should be running at full capacity by April 10. The final cherries will be harvested by July. With strong quality protocols in place, we expect this season’s coffees to showcase Burundi at its best. 

Regulatory and Market Changes 

Regulatory shifts and market dynamics often come into play as harvest season approaches, but so far, we’re expecting a stable environment. Still, Sucafina has contingency plans ready—like flexible logistics and labor strategies—to adapt quickly if needed. 

Rwanda

Rwanda’s 2025/2026 harvest is shaping up to be larger than last year’s, with an anticipated increase in volume. Alain Fabrice Uwayo, Commercial and Trading Manager, and Philotée Mukiza, Sustainability Manager, shared some key updates from the field. 

Harvest Forecast: Volume and Quality 

The outlook for Rwanda’s 2025/2026 harvest looks strong. We’re expecting 18,000 MT, and while the eastern region has seen some drought stress, recent rains have helped ease the impact. 

The overall crop quality is expected to be very good, but a major shift in regulations last year has introduced new challenges. The repeal of Rwanda’s zoning policy—which previously required farmers to sell coffee within designated regions—has changed how coffee moves through the supply chain. Now, cherries can be bought and sold freely across the country, which could lead to longer transport times and an increased risk of fermentation. 

Sucafina responded quickly, encouraging farmers to deliver cherries directly to washing stations rather than selling through intermediaries. To support this shift, we cover transport costs and offer farmers the same financial incentives that site collectors receive. 

Sustainability Efforts in Burundi and Rwanda 

Sucafina is broadening its certified coffee offerings in both countries, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, farmer prosperity and traceable, high-quality coffee, and allowing us to bring more certified coffees to you! Currently, around 70% of the coffees sourced in Rwanda are certified under Rainforest Alliance (RA), Fairtrade, Organic or IMPACT; and in addition to working with Rainforest Alliance (RA) certified supply chains in Burundi, our colleagues are now helping farmers obtain C.A.F.E. Practices certification this year. 

Coffees from across Burundi are also available through IMPACT, Sucafina’s responsible sourcing program. IMPACT takes a data-driven approach to building sustainable supply chains, with a focus on living income, human rights and long-term resilience. 

Want to learn more about our Burundi or Rwanda supply chains? Reach out to your Relationship Coffee Manager to explore our offers!