The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) presented Rwanda’s revived Mibirizi Arabica coffee to prospective buyers at a specialty coffee exhibition in Japan, ahead of the variety’s first international auction.
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) presented the coffee at the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Tokyo on Friday, October 16.
Visitors sampled the coffee’s distinctive flavour and floral aromas, giving international traders an opportunity to assess its qualities ahead of an auction scheduled for October 21.
The auction, which will take place alongside the Best of Rwanda coffee auction, is expected to introduce pure Rwandan Mibirizi coffee to international buyers for the first time.
Mibirizi is among Rwanda’s historic coffee varieties, dating back to 1904. After facing the risk of disappearing from commercial cultivation, efforts were undertaken to restore its production and strengthen its position in the specialty coffee market.
The revival involved research, seed management, cooperation with farmers and improvements in coffee quality to prepare the variety for international markets.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan, Marie Claire Mukasine, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to preserve the country’s coffee heritage while strengthening its commercial presence abroad.
“The revival of Mibirizi is a proud achievement for Rwanda. It connects our coffee heritage with new opportunities in premium markets,” Mukasine said.
The initiative forms part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to increase earnings from coffee exports by promoting distinctive varieties and connecting farmers and exporters with buyers willing to pay for quality.
Before the Mibirizi presentation, NAEB organised a Best of Rwanda seminar in Tokyo on October 14, bringing together coffee industry professionals to explore trade opportunities.
Participants sampled coffees selected through the 2026 Best of Rwanda competition and discussed potential partnerships with Rwandan producers and exporters.
Established in 2024 by NAEB with support from the Coffee Exporters and Processors Association of Rwanda (CEPAR), Best of Rwanda seeks to promote high-quality coffee, improve market visibility and help farmers secure better prices.
The programme also enables international buyers to identify Rwandan coffees that meet their requirements and establish direct commercial relationships with producers.
Rwanda’s participation in the exhibition brought together coffee farmers, cooperative leaders, exporters and other industry representatives.
The delegation was led by NAEB Chief Operations Officer Sandrine Urujeni, while Ambassador Mukasine and representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also attended the event.
For farmers and cooperative representatives, the exhibition provided an opportunity to understand demand in Japan’s specialty coffee market and engage with potential customers.
Rwanda is also expected to participate in the World Coffee Exhibition in Tokyo in 2027 as it continues efforts to promote its coffee internationally.
The upcoming October 21 auction will offer the first opportunity for international buyers to bid on the revived Mibirizi variety, providing an initial indication of its commercial appeal in the specialty market.
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