Agriculture Minister Eric Rwigamba on the future of Rwanda’s tea industry

Rwanda's tea industry has been making waves in the global market, with a significant increase in exports attributed to advanced techniques supported by the government to maintain the highest quality of tea. The sector's performance has not only attracted seasoned professionals but has also piqued the interest of the youth, who are actively engaging at various levels. To delve deeper into the future of Rwanda's tea industry and its sustainability, CNBC Africa's Sandrine Umutoniwase sat down with Eric Rwigamba, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources. Rwigamba shed light on the strategies put in place by the government to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the tea sector. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the entire value chain, starting from selecting the right seedlings to post-harvest processing. The government's efforts include subsidizing seedlings for farmers, providing proper training on cultivation practices, and collaborating with private sector investors to enhance the processing and export of tea leaves. While Rwanda currently leads the region in tea quality, Rwigamba highlighted the ongoing efforts to further improve and maintain the country's competitive edge in the global market. When queried about supporting smallholder tea farmers in adopting climate-resilient practices and accessing international markets, Rwigamba outlined the government's approach of working through cooperatives. By organizing farmers into structured cooperatives, they can access quality inputs and training, resulting in improved tea quality that fetches better prices in international markets. The Minister also shared insights into the future of the tea industry in Rwanda and the broader African region. He highlighted the significance of platforms like the African Tea Convention and Exhibition, which bring together stakeholders from across the value chain to discuss challenges, strategize, and foster knowledge exchange. Rwigamba underscored the importance of international buyers attending such events, as it provides opportunities for networking, learning, and closing deals. The convention serves as a platform for showcasing achievements and learning from peers in the industry, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of tea production in Africa. In addressing the involvement of young professionals in the tea sector, Rwigamba emphasized the commercial viability of tea farming, which appeals to the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth. He mentioned the success stories of farmers and processors who have engaged their children in the business, illustrating the sector's potential for growth and profitability. The Minister highlighted the diverse opportunities available for young people in the tea value chain, from nursery management to quality control and processing. With a well-organized and mature ecosystem within the tea and coffee sectors, Rwigamba expressed optimism about the increasing participation of young individuals, including women, in the tea industry. The commercialization of tea and coffee cultivation provides a conducive environment for the youth to explore various roles within the sector and capitalize on the lucrative opportunities it offers. Overall, Rwanda's tea industry appears poised for continued growth and innovation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, quality, and inclusivity.