Rwanda marks another milestone in the Tea Sector with the inauguration of Kibeho Tea Factory
Rwanda has taken another significant step in advancing its tea industry with the inauguration of the new Kibeho Tea Factory in Nyaruguru District, Southern Province. The facility, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, was officially inaugurated on 11th September, 2025 by the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, on behalf of His Excellency President Paul Kagame.
The new factory stands as a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a vibrant, export-driven sector that empowers farmers, attracts investments, and positions the country’s premium tea on the global stage.
In his remarks, Minister Bagabe reaffirmed that the Kibeho Tea Factory reflects Rwanda’s broader vision of modernizing agriculture and turning it into a true engine of economic growth.
“This factory, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, will deliver efficiency, quality jobs, and new opportunities for rural transformation. Most importantly, it brings sustainable incomes to thousands of smallholder farmers, thus improving livelihoods, education, and health for their families,” he said.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all partners who contributed to making the project a reality, noting that the achievement is in line with the vision of H.E. President Paul Kagame to empower farmers and modernize agriculture.
Minister Bagabe emphasized that the Kibeho Tea Factory is not an end in itself, but a foundation for greater opportunities.
“The Kibeho Tea Factory is not an end, but the beginning of greater opportunities for farmers, stronger contributions to our economy, and a brighter future for Rwanda Tea on the global market,” he added.
The factory is expected to benefit thousands of smallholder farmers in Nyaruguru district by providing a reliable market for green leaf tea and ensuring higher returns. Beyond improving household incomes, the project is also poised to contribute to Rwanda’s export revenues and further cement the country’s reputation as a producer of high-quality tea.
Mariette Muhawenimana, a resident of Kibeho, began as a plucker tea grower and is now promoted to weighment clerk employed at the factory.
“I am able to pay school fees for my children on time,” she said, pointing out that she used initial earnings from her salary tea sales to buy two sewing machines and now she is also an employer of two tailors as she continues to work with Browns Plantations Rwanda. later secured a full-time job checking tea leaf quality at the factory.
With the inauguration of the Kibeho Tea Factory, Rwanda continues to strengthen its agricultural transformation journey — placing farmers at the center while driving inclusive economic growth and positioning Rwandan tea among the best in the world.
Rwanda marks another milestone in the Tea Sector with the inauguration of Kibeho Tea Factory
Rwanda has taken another significant step in advancing its tea industry with the inauguration of the new Kibeho Tea Factory in Nyaruguru District, Southern Province. The facility, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, was officially inaugurated on 11th September, 2025 by the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, on behalf of His Excellency President Paul Kagame.
The new factory stands as a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a vibrant, export-driven sector that empowers farmers, attracts investments, and positions the country’s premium tea on the global stage.
In his remarks, Minister Bagabe reaffirmed that the Kibeho Tea Factory reflects Rwanda’s broader vision of modernizing agriculture and turning it into a true engine of economic growth.
“This factory, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, will deliver efficiency, quality jobs, and new opportunities for rural transformation. Most importantly, it brings sustainable incomes to thousands of smallholder farmers, thus improving livelihoods, education, and health for their families,” he said.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all partners who contributed to making the project a reality, noting that the achievement is in line with the vision of H.E. President Paul Kagame to empower farmers and modernize agriculture.
Minister Bagabe emphasized that the Kibeho Tea Factory is not an end in itself, but a foundation for greater opportunities.
“The Kibeho Tea Factory is not an end, but the beginning of greater opportunities for farmers, stronger contributions to our economy, and a brighter future for Rwanda Tea on the global market,” he added.
The factory is expected to benefit thousands of smallholder farmers in Nyaruguru district by providing a reliable market for green leaf tea and ensuring higher returns. Beyond improving household incomes, the project is also poised to contribute to Rwanda’s export revenues and further cement the country’s reputation as a producer of high-quality tea.
Mariette Muhawenimana, a resident of Kibeho, began as a plucker tea grower and is now promoted to weighment clerk employed at the factory.
“I am able to pay school fees for my children on time,” she said, pointing out that she used initial earnings from her salary tea sales to buy two sewing machines and now she is also an employer of two tailors as she continues to work with Browns Plantations Rwanda. later secured a full-time job checking tea leaf quality at the factory.
With the inauguration of the Kibeho Tea Factory, Rwanda continues to strengthen its agricultural transformation journey — placing farmers at the center while driving inclusive economic growth and positioning Rwandan tea among the best in the world.
