Rwanda has set a remarkable new benchmark in the global coffee market after a top lot fetched $452 per kilogram during an international online auction.
The record-breaking sale took place on Thursday, 22 October 2026, during the "Best of Rwanda 2026" specialty coffee auction organized by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
According to NAEB, the highest-selling lot went for 66 times the current average international market price for Rwandan coffee exports.
A total of 31 unique coffee lots were successfully sold during the online event. These were selected from an initial pool of 320 lots gathered across the country following three rounds of sensory evaluation by national and international jurors.
Evariste Karangwa, owner of K-Organics Ltd, whose coffee commanded the winning price, welcomed the milestone.
"This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication we put into producing quality coffee," Mr Karangwa said. "This recognition will allow me to invest in quality coffee farming activities, hence ensuring even higher quality coffee in the future and improve my community's livelihood through coffee."
The auction drew international buyers from Europe, Asia, the US, and across Africa.
Claude Bizimana, Chief Executive Officer of NAEB, highlighted the role of collaboration across the coffee supply chain.
"This achievement demonstrates the potential of collaboration among producers, exporters, partners and other stakeholders in advancing quality, traceability and sustainability," Mr Bizimana said. "The US$452 per-kilogram price reflects our continued efforts to strengthen quality and traceability throughout Rwanda coffee value chain, from farm to international market."
The annual Best of Rwanda National Specialty Coffee Competition is designed to showcase high-grade coffee produced by smallholder farmers, expanding their access to premium global markets.
