Rwanda Mibirizi
Rwanda Mibirizi
A Heritage Variety, Reborn
The inaugural release of pure Rwanda Mibirizi — a heritage variety nearly lost from Rwanda’s coffee landscape, now offered at auction for the first time.
Mibirizi: Rwanda’s Heritage Variety
In Rwanda’s highlands, a remarkable coffee story is being reborn. Its name is Rwanda Mibirizi. In 1904, coffee was first cultivated in Rwanda in a region called Mibirizi, in the country’s southwest. Today, it bears the name of that place—Mibirizi. This marked the beginning of Rwanda’s heritage coffee variety.
Mibirizi gradually became less common and was nearly lost from Rwanda’s coffee landscape. Yet its exceptional quality potential was never forgotten.
Reviving Rwanda’s Heritage Variety
Mibirizi is a rare Typica-derived variety with flavour characteristics and growing requirements distinct from the Red Bourbon widely cultivated in Rwanda. It is believed to reach its highest quality potential under suitable elevation, temperature and rainfall conditions.
To protect this heritage variety and unlock its potential, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), began nationwide research in 2017 on its genetics, productivity, environmental adaptation and cup quality. The work began with 100% pure Mibirizi selections from Rwanda’s genetic resource bank.
After nearly a decade of research, Mibirizi grown in suitable conditions has shown exceptional quality: complex fruity, floral and spice-like aromas; vibrant, layered acidity; refined sweetness; and a long, elegant finish.
Protecting Quality, Identity & Future of Rwanda Mibirizi
To protect the proven quality and identity of Rwanda Mibirizi, a new set of measures was launched in 2026:
- Centralised seed distribution protects genetic purity.
- Selected producers and strict plot management ensure consistency.
- Traceability and export certification safeguard quality from farm to export.
“Mibirizi gives Rwanda a distinctive story and a premium opportunity in the global coffee market. It represents our heritage, our commitment to quality, and our ambition to offer buyers a coffee that is authentic, transparent and uniquely Rwandan.”
— Sandrine Urujeni, COO, NAEB
A Heritage Reborn: Rwanda Mibirizi’s First Auction Release
All 18 international jurors at Best of Rwanda 2026 cupped Rwanda Mibirizi and recognised its exceptional potential.
On 21st October 2026, pure Rwanda Mibirizi will be offered at auction alongside Best of Rwanda for the first time—a landmark moment for the variety.
The inaugural release comprises three lots: two fully washed and one natural. We hope these first offerings will reveal Rwanda Mibirizi’s promise and inspire buyers to help build this remarkable new Rwandan coffee brand.
