Founder & CEO of Kawah Coffee - Michaelle Kubwimana
| Entrepreneur | Community Advocate | Coffee Enthusiast |
As a passionate entrepreneur with a deep love for coffee and a commitment to community development, I have dedicated my career to creating meaningful impact both locally in Rwanda and globally. Having lived in 10+ countries since my early years and speaking fluently 6 languages, I want to create a bridge across continents. My journey began with a vision to harness the potential of our family’s rich coffee culture and turn it into a force for positive change by adding value at the source.
Founder & CEO of Kawah Coffee
Kawah Coffee is more than just a business; it is a movement to uplift and empower Rwandan coffee Farmers and especially women. At Kawah Coffee, we are committed to producing high-quality, ethically sourced coffee that not only delights the senses but also supports sustainable farming practices. Through our direct trade model, starting from our own family coffee farm, we ensure that farmers receive fair compensation, enabling them to invest in their communities and improve their livelihoods. We aim to have them celebrated by each person around the globe that will taste our Specialty coffee.
Our impact is seen in the thriving communities of coffee farmers who now not only just pick coffee cherries but are part of a fully farm-to-cup Specialty coffee brand, adding value onsite.
Founder and CEO at Rwanda Business UK
In addition to my work with Kawah Coffee, I founded Rwanda Business UK, a platform designed to bridge the gap between Rwandan and UK entrepreneurs and investors, promoting trade and investment between the two nations. Our mission is to foster economic growth and collaboration by creating opportunities for investment, trade, and knowledge exchange.
Rwanda Business UK serves as a hub for networking, resources, and support, making it easier for businesses from both countries to connect and thrive. Through this initiative, we are not only strengthening the economic ties between Rwanda and the UK but also promoting Rwanda as a dynamic and attractive destination for investment.
Register for Rwanda Business UK networking event at the High Commission of Rwanda, London.
My Vision
My work is driven by a vision of a prosperous, interconnected world where businesses are a force for good. I believe in the power of entrepreneurship to create lasting change and am dedicated to building a legacy of empowerment, sustainability, and community.
Women harvesting coffee in Rwanda - Kawah Coffee
The story behind the brand:
The story of Kawah Coffee is deeply intertwined with the history of our family and the resilient spirit of Rwanda. It begins with my father, Chrysologue Kubwimana, a Rwandan who, after 30 years in exile during the Genocide against the Tutsis, returned to his homeland in 1994. His own father was a coffee farmer who was killed in 1962. Motivated by a vision of social change and empowerment, especially for marginalized communities and women, he founded Kinunu Agro processing in 2001 in the verdant landscapes of Boneza, Rwanda.
Kinunu Agro processing was established not merely as a coffee farm but as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Recognizing the challenges faced by local farmers, particularly women, my father aimed to create a platform that provided access to resources, fair compensation, and support. The farm evolved into a renowned coffee washing station and roasting facility, ensuring that the exceptional quality of Rwandan coffee was recognized globally.
In 2019, inspired by my father's legacy and driven by a passion for specialty coffee, I, Michaelle Kubwimana, founded Kawah Coffee. The name 'Kawah' resonates globally, meaning 'coffee' in multiple languages, symbolizing our commitment to sharing the unique flavours from our family's farm with the world. At Kawah Coffee, we uphold excellence by being one of the rare 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.
Our commitment extends beyond producing exceptional coffee. We are dedicated to promoting and empowering women farmers, who make up 90% of 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.
Today, Kawah Coffee continues to build upon the foundation laid by Kinunu Agro processing. We invite supporters to join us in this journey, from operations at the farm to expansion in the international market. By choosing 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.
Order online for free delivery across UK!
At Kawah we specialize in providing freshly roasted specialty coffee to individuals, organizations and events.
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I have mine. Coffee lovers, this is for you.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” ― Michelle Obama
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