Rugabano

Rugabano Tea Company (RTC) is a new factory launched in 2019

RTC supports one of the most extensive greenfield developments in the world. This includes the establishment of a new majority smallholder-supplied Rugabano tea factory (RTC), a 400-hectare core estate and 4,000 hectares of new smallholder tea, planted by more than 10,000 smallholder farmers with support from the Rugabano Out growers Services Company (ROS) which is funded by TWFA and Luxmi.

In Rugabano, we are undertaking one of the most extensive Greenfield planting in the world

The project empowers small-scale farmers by providing them assistance with credit, logistics and agronomy – and buys from them directly. This approach has significantly raised the incomes of the farmers involved.

Rugabano

produced 800MT of made tea in 2024, and has a projected capacity of 4000 MT for the next 8 coming years, a testament to the region’s ideal growing conditions and the dedication of thousands of smallholder farmers.

As part of Silverback Tea Company, Rugabano benefits from a sustainable and community-driven approach to tea production.

The combination of optimal growing conditions, smallholder farmer involvement, and a state-of-the-art factory ensures that the tea produced here is of exceptional quality. Rugabano Tea is a true reflection of Rwanda’s potential in producing premium teas that are enjoyed worldwide.

A Partnership for Growth

The Rugabano Greenfield Development is a joint investment between The Wood Foundation Africa (TWFA), Luxmi Tea Company, Gatsby Africa, and the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, through the British High Commission Kigali. This development began in 2016, using UK international development support via an innovative blended finance model.

In 2019, the Rugabano Tea Company (RTC) factory was launched and is fully operational today. The factory is wholly owned by Silverback Tea Company, which is a joint venture between The Wood Foundation Africa and Luxmi Tea Company.

ROS is the exclusive supplier of greenleaf to the Rugabano Tea Company factory, owned by the Silverback Tea Company which is a joint venture between The Wood Foundation Africa and Luxmi Tea Company. The factory was launched in 2019 and is already producing some of the highest-quality teas in Rwanda.

ROS supports farmers with agronomic and extension advice, no-interest credit, inputs, and logistics among other services allowing very low-income farmers to get into tea farming in a profitable way and with guaranteed access to international markets. Given the agroclimatic conditions and focus on quality, Rugabano is expected to emerge as a premiere garden in Africa.

Rugabano Flower Garden

Rugabano is home to a thriving rose garden and a diverse selection of other flowers, adding to the estate’s rich agricultural landscape. The carefully cultivated flower plantation not only enhances the region’s natural beauty but also provides additional economic opportunities for local farmers. With ideal growing conditions, the estate produces vibrant, high-quality blooms that complement its renowned tea production. This floriculture initiative reflects Silverback Tea Company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and community empowerment, ensuring that Rugabano continues to flourish beyond tea.

Rugabano Tea Company realized the best selling pizes in Rwanda in 2024

Rugabano Tea Company PvT Ltd: Currently holds the highest average made tea selling price in Rwanda as of May 2024, at 3.96 USD per Kg, according to NAEB’s data.

Recognized by the Gender Monitoring Office of the Republic of Rwanda, the Private Sector Federation, UNDP, and UN Women for promoting gender accountability through the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme.