Sustainable Growers, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation in the coffee industry, has announced the graduation of over 13,000 women coffee farmers from its rigorous year-long training program, marking a significant milestone in empowering female agricultural leadership. These graduates, representing districts including Kayonza, Gakenke, Gicumbi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Huye, and Nyaruguru, completed comprehensive courses focused on enhancing both their farming and business acumen. The curriculum included best agricultural practices, home roasting techniques, storytelling for leadership, and critical market access strategies.
At a national launch event held in Gakenke on November 19, 2025, Sustainable Growers also utilized the platform to recognize 13,067 women for exceptional performance through the Premium Sharing Rewards (PSR) programme, locally known as Wakoze Neza Muhinzi. This incentive scheme rewards participants for annual training excellence, demonstrated community leadership, and impactful engagement in public health initiatives such as promoting school enrollment and malaria prevention. This recognition is coupled with tangible support, as graduates received certificates and practical assets such as livestock, farm tools, or household materials to bolster their operational capacity and long-term resilience.
Christine Condo, CEO of Sustainable Growers, emphasized that the rewards serve a purpose beyond mere celebration, stating they are intended to “validate the hard work, knowledge, and leadership of women who are transforming the coffee sector and uplifting their families and communities.” The efficacy of the training was highlighted by Vestine Mukankusi of the Twongere Kawa Coko Cooperative, who attested that the program enabled her to elevate her farm’s coffee quality to meet international standards. This quality improvement was underscored by her cooperative’s achievement of ranking 18th out of 300 in the 2025 Best of Rwanda Competition, securing a high-quality score of 87.5.
Since its inception with foundational support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Sustainable Growers has expanded its reach significantly, impacting over 328,000 people in total, including more than 60,000 beneficiaries across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. Through the success of this large-scale initiative, the non-governmental organization robustly reaffirms its commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture, strengthening women’s leadership roles, and materially enhancing market access for smallholder coffee farmers across the region.
