About Rwanda Bean

about

We believe coffee is more than just a beverage — it’s a source of connection between people, communities, and cultures. For us, coffee bridges Rwanda and Maine, linking the farmers who carefully cultivate each harvest with the people who share it every day. At its heart, coffee is an invitation to gather, connect, and sit together.

Rwanda Bean was founded in 2013 by Mike Mwenedata on the belief that great coffee should create meaningful impact. By building long-term relationships with growers and prioritizing ethical sourcing, we aim to celebrate the people and stories behind every roast.

At the heart of our sourcing is the Women’s Coffee Extension at Mbizi, a cooperative dedicated to elevating women producers in Rwanda’s specialty coffee sector. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and community empowerment is reflected in every harvest we share.

We are proud to partner with initiatives led by women like Smayah Uwajeneza, founder of Elevate Through Coffee, whose work empowers women coffee producers across Rwanda. Through education, support, mentorship and sustainable market access, these inititiaves support communities while creating greater opportunity for the next generation of farmers in specialty coffee.

Our beans are carefully sourced from Rwanda’s rich volcanic regions, where high elevations and ideal growing conditions produce exceptional specialty coffee with vibrant flavor and character.  From the hills of Rwanda to communities here in Maine and beyond, we are honored to bring these coffees to your table and celebrate the people behind every harvest.

Beans That Give Back

Rwanda Bean was founded in 2013 with the mission to support the community of coffee farmers who are growing a stronger Rwanda by sharing their harvests and stories with the wider world. It started with just a couple of pounds of raw beans shipped from Rwanda for a taste-test, and it’s growing to become an amazing community of caring people who believe in giving back. As you are about to take that first sip of our delicious coffee—just stop and pat yourself on the back. Remember, every sip you take helps someone in need. There’s no better way to start a day than with a great cup of coffee and a good deed.

Farmers who received Health Insurance for 1 Year

Together, we've donated $5,656 to provide 1,131 farmers with health insurance for one year!

$ to build Gisagara Daycare

We've raised $20,000 to build Gisagara Daycare to provide early childhood education and a safe place for 125 kids to learn and grow.

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We paid tribute to Agnes, an 88-year-old Rwandan woman who worked 60 years farming coffee. We're paying her monthly salary for her entire retirement.

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