Coffee farmers are set to benefit in 2026 after Rwanda raised the minimum farm gate price for quality coffee cherries to Rwf750 per kilogram, a 25 percent increase from Rwf600 set for 2025. The new price takes immediate effect and applies across the entire 2026 coffee season.

The adjustment comes amid strong performance in the coffee sector, supported by higher global prices and increased domestic production. Around 400,000 farmers depend on coffee for their livelihoods, making the price rise a significant boost to rural incomes.

The higher minimum price is expected to strengthen incentives for farmers to invest in better quality and productivity, while competition among buyers is likely to keep actual selling prices above the official floor in many regions.

The increase is largely driven by international market conditions, with Rwanda’s average export price rising by 19 percent in 2025. A weaker local currency against the U.S. dollar has also improved export returns, reinforcing the ability to pay farmers more.

Rwanda’s coffee exports reached a record level in 2025, with sharp growth in both volumes and revenues. The strong trajectory positions the sector to meet medium-term export targets, supporting sustained income growth for farmers at the core of the value chain.