The story behind Kawah

Welcome to Kawah Coffee, where the essence of coffee connects cultures and communities around the globe. The name “Kawah” embodies this universal bond, derived from translations of “coffee” in various languages. In Rwandese, it’s “Ikawa,” in Swahili “Kahawa,” in Arabic “Qahwa,” in Turkish “Kahve,” and even in France, it’s known as “Kawa.”

Kawah Coffee was born out of a passion for both exceptional coffee and cultural exchange. Founded in Singapore in 2020 by Michaelle Kubwimana, a proud Rwandese national and global citizen. Michaelle’s journey led her from Dubai to Singapore in August 2019, and later to London, United Kingdom, in August 2022, where she decided to settle with her husband and two daughters, continuing her mission with renewed determination.

Driven by a deep connection to her roots as a coffee farmer’s granddaughter and a desire to share the rich heritage of Rwandan coffee with the world, Michaelle embarked on a mission to create a brand that not only delivers outstanding coffee but also champions sustainability and empowerment.

At Kawah Coffee, we believe in more than just brewing a great cup of coffee. We’re committed to fostering positive change in the communities where our coffee is grown, particularly supporting the women coffee farmers in Rwanda, echoing the legacy of Michaelle’s own family heritage.

With every sip of Kawah Coffee, you’re not just enjoying a delicious beverage; you’re experiencing a journey of cultural appreciation, sustainability, and empowerment.

Join us as we celebrate the diversity of coffee and the connections it creates across borders and generations.

About the Brand’s Founder

“As the founder of Kawah Coffee, I chose the name ‘Kawah’ to resonate with people worldwide, as it means coffee in multiple languages. My passion for specialty coffee and the desire to share the unique flavors from my family’s farm inspired me to start Kawah Coffee. I’ve cultivated a profound understanding of coffee cultivation and flavor profiles unique to our region. Kawah Coffee is my platform to showcase the distinct flavors of Rwandan coffee to a global audience while keeping a bond with the family from afar.

At Kawah Coffee, we are dedicated to promoting and empowering women farmers, who make up 90% in our community. By sourcing beans directly from our family’s farm, we ensure quality and fair compensation for all our farmers, particularly focusing on the empowerment of women. Through transparent relationships between growers and consumers, we promote sustainability and ethical practices in the industry. Kawah Coffee is not just about great coffee; it’s about sharing our family’s legacy while supporting our community and advocating for sustainable coffee practices.”

Michaelle Kubwimana, Founder of Kawah Coffee

About the farm and its vision

Kawah coffee beans are meticulously farmed in our family’s Coffee farm, Kinunu Agroprocessing, nestled in the verdant landscapes of Boneza, Rwanda. This farm is not just a place of cultivation; it’s a testament to resilience and hope, founded by Chrysologue Kubwimana, a Rwandan citizen who returned to Rwanda in 1994 after enduring 30 years of forced exile during the Genocide against the Tutsis.

Upon his return to the land of his birth, Chrysologue was driven by a vision of social change and empowerment. Witnessing the injustices and poor farming practices that plagued the local community, especially women, he envisioned a future where farming could be a pathway to improving livelihoods and fostering community resilience. His mission was not only to contribute to the remarkable transformation unfolding in Rwanda but also to uplift the marginalized and empower the underprivileged.

From this vision, Kinunu Agroprocessing emerged as more than just a farm; it became a beacon of opportunity and empowerment. Over the years, it evolved into a renowned coffee washing station and roasting facility, offering local farmers, predominantly women, access to resources and support they desperately needed. Chrysologue’s ethos was clear: it was about all of us, a collective effort to create a brighter future for our community and our country.

Through Kawah Coffee, we continue his legacy by bringing the exceptional beans from Kinunu Agroprocessing to the world stage. In doing so, we not only showcase the remarkable quality of Rwandan coffee but also shed light on the inspiring journey of resilience and transformation that defines our nation. Kawah Coffee is more than just a product; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Rwanda and the incredible work of our farmers, who deserve to be seen, recognized, and celebrated.

About the farmers

In western Rwanda, the community of coffee farmers forms the backbone of the country’s economy and culture. Yet, these farmers often face daunting challenges, including limited resources, knowledge, and access to markets.

Accessing fair markets remains a significant hurdle for Rwandan coffee farmers, many of whom sell their produce to middlemen or cooperatives for lower prices than their coffee’s true value. This cycle hinders investment in farm improvements and quality enhancement.

Kawah Coffee stands as a beacon of support for these farmers. Through education, training, and fair trade practices, we empower them to improve the quality and yield of their coffee. Our commitment to paying fair prices and fostering long-term relationships ensures stability and security for these farmers.

At Kawah, we uphold excellence by being one of the rarest Farm-to-Cup coffee brands globally. From planting and growing to processing, roasting, and packaging, every step is meticulously controlled. This not only guarantees specialty-grade coffee but also ensures traceability and fair wages for everyone involved in our production process.

For us, coffee production is a collaborative endeavor that balances the needs of farmers and customers alike. When you choose Kawah Coffee, you’re not just enjoying a superior cup; you’re directly impacting coffee farming communities and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Find out more about our community of farmers here: Our coffee plantation and operations in Rwanda – Kawah Coffee (kawah-rwanda.com)