From Beans to Beaches: Coffee Shines at Kivu Beach Expo, Boosting Tourism and Local Impact

Located in Rwanda’s Western Province, famous for its rolling hills and lakeshore beauty, Rutsiro is gaining momentum as a hub for coffee- and culture-based tourism. This second edition of the Expo, aims to highlight specialty coffee exhibitions, cultural performances, sports competitions, and entertainment, creating opportunities for investors, local businesses, and communities to benefit from tourism-driven development.

Primoting cultural tourism and coffee-based tourism, is two pillars that define Rutsiro’s growing identity in Rwanda’s tourism sector. It will bring together both small and large investors, offering them a platform to showcase their products, sell their services, create partnerships, and generate employment, especially for young people. The event also aims to highlight the breathtaking natural beauty of the Western Province, particularly in Rutsiro District, while reinforcing the region’s reputation as a safe, attractive, and culturally rich tourism destination.

This festival is expected to elevate Rutsiro’s regional and international visibility. By combining agriculture, especially coffee, heritage, and lakefront activities, the event promotes Rutsiro as a scenic and culturally vibrant destination while generating new income opportunities for residents.

The week-long Expo will feature an unparalleled lineup of events, including a 20-kilometer hiking challenge through Rutsiro’s scenic landscapes, thrilling swimming and cycling race, a historic Boat Party on Lake Kivu with live performances, and cultural exhibitions that showcase the richness of local heritage and promote the youth talents.

During the Expo, participants will have the opportunity to visit key stakeholders, including Hon. Senator Prof. Chrisologue Kubwimana, a pioneer of coffee-based tourism and founder of Boneza Coffee, and also the one who started the campaign of cultural tourism in Rutsiro District. He will be honored for his contributions to tourism and community development.

Boneza Coffee Tourism: A Unique Attraction

Boneza Coffee, cultivated and processed exclusively in the Boneza sector, stands as a leading symbol of Rwanda’s coffee tourism.

"The way we grow and process our coffee, combined with its international recognition, attracts tourists in remarkable numbers. It has become a major attraction in our region," said Blaise Nimurinzi, Guide and Marketing Manager at Kinunu Agroprocessing Ltd.

Sourced entirely from the local area, Boneza Coffee is harvested from over 15,000 trees, alongside coffee grown by local farmers, with 35 tons processed annually.

Nimurinzi explained that the singular focus on quality, growing, harvesting, and processing beans within one geographical area, creates an unmatched product that has drawn over 50,000 tourists over the past decade, mainly from the United States, European countries such as Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, and the Rwandan diaspora.

Coffee tourism is not only a key economic driver but also a tool for community empowerment. Over 60% of tourism revenues support local farmers in paying their children’s school fees and healthcare, and addressing other livelihood needs. Farmers also receive training to maintain high-quality production.

Beyond tourism, Boneza Coffee continues to empower the community, promoting sustainable development while showcasing Rwanda’s rich coffee heritage.

Festival Activities and Local Impact

The Kivu Beach Expo and Festival 2025 will feature swimming competitions, a cycling race, running events, a 20 km hiking challenge, and traditional games such as kunyabana and agati. Attendees can also tour one of Rutsiro’s 42 islands, including Napoleon, Iwawa, Bugarura, and others, for 20,000 RWF per person, while entrance to the Expo itself remains free to encourage youth participation. For the first time, a Boat Party on December 13–14 will feature live DJs and artists on Lake Kivu.

"Since July, we have created over 20,000 temporary jobs, ranging from ushers and cooks to vendors and accommodation staff. The festival helps local businesses grow while providing young people with work opportunities," emphasized Yves Iyamuremye, Director of Yirunga Ltd, highlighting the event’s economic impact.

Patrick Munyamahoro Muhizi, Executive Secretary of Boneza Sector, underscored the festival’s broader benefits: "This festival raises Rutsiro’s profile as a safe, scenic, and culturally rich destination. It is a major milestone in promoting coffee-based and culture-driven tourism."

The festival will be hosted at Palega Beach Inn, overlooking Bugarura Island, home to over 2,000 residents, offering a unique blend of coffee tourism and the natural beauty of Lake Kivu.

With its compelling combination of unique coffee heritage, stunning natural scenery, competitive sports, and innovative cultural programming, the Kivu Beach Expo and Festival 2025 is more than just an event—it is a transformative movement positioning Rwanda’s Western Province as a beacon of the country’s tourism future.