Burundi

Burundi's Coffee Industry

Burundi produces almost exclusively Arabica coffee, with Robusta accounting for less than 4 percent of total output. Annual exports range between 10,000 and 25,000 metric tons of green coffee, valued between 20 and 60 million US dollars. In 2023, coffee was Burundi’s second most exported product, generating 44.1 million US dollars, with Germany, the United States, and Sweden among the top destinations.

Coffee is grown by over 600,000 smallholder families, typically cultivating between 100 and 300 trees on plots of 0.1 to 0.3 hectares. There are no large estates. Production is concentrated in highland provinces such as Ngozi, Kayanza, Muyinga, Gitega, and Karusi. Around 60 to 80 percent of the harvest is processed at washing stations, producing fully washed coffees known for their clean acidity and floral profiles. Cooperatives and farmer associations play a key role in organizing production, though many face challenges in governance and access to finance.

Climate change is a growing threat. Farmers report more frequent droughts, heavier rains, and irregular rainfall patterns that disrupt flowering and reduce yields. Pests such as leaf miners and mites are increasingly common at lower altitudes. The Sustainable Coffee Landscape Project, funded by the World Bank, has promoted agroforestry and land restoration to improve resilience.

Political challenges include the long-term effects of privatization, which reduced government support and left farmers vulnerable to market volatility. Many producers have abandoned coffee for food crops due to low farmgate prices and delayed payments. The government has recently re-engaged in the sector, aiming to stabilize pricing and improve export competitiveness.

For UK and EU Buyers

Shipping from Burundi to the UK typically involves overland transport to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania or Mombasa in Kenya. Sea freight takes approximately 40 to 45 days depending on routing and carrier.

For UK and EU buyers, Burundi offers high-altitude Arabicas with distinctive profiles and strong cooperative sourcing. While volumes are modest, quality is improving and traceability is strong. However, climate stress, political instability, and logistical complexity require long-term sourcing strategies and active engagement with producer networks.