Nova, Rwanda

Nova Coffee, founded in 2015 by the visionary wife and husband duo, Agnes Mukamushinja and Felix Hitayezu, embodies the principle of becoming the change one wishes to see. Agnes, a seasoned coffee agronomist and mobilizer, witnessed the devastation wrought upon her village's coffee trees during the Rwandan genocide. Motivated by a desire to rebuild and uplift her community, she seized an opportunity to breathe new life into the area's coffee industry. In 2013, Agnes and her team took decisive action, acquiring and restoring a dilapidated washing station, a pivotal moment that marked the birth of Nova Coffee.

With an initial team of 25 women, Agnes embarked on a journey of empowerment and growth. Over time, Nova Coffee has become a catalyst for change, now empowering nearly 400 women and engaging a growing number of youths in its endeavours. By serving 2800 small-scale coffee farmers, Nova Coffee not only cultivates exceptional coffee but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and sustainability. Today, Nova Coffee is a symbol of resilience and progress within the Rwandan coffee landscape.

TLocated near Lake Muhazi, with elevations ranging from 1800 to 2000 meters above sea level, Nova Coffee operates from its expansive 155-hectare plantation. Collaborating with farmers through various community projects such as IKAWA-SAWA, Nova fosters beekeeping ventures, educates on organic farming practices, and distributes young coffee trees and shade trees to aspiring farmers. Since 2020, over 3000 saplings have found new homes in the surrounding households. 

Nova reflects an unwavering commitment to quality. Cherries harvested at precise altitudes undergo meticulous sorting, pulping, and fermentation before being washed and sun-dried. Each bean is graded and hand-sorted to ensure only the finest make it to storage. However, Nova's impact transcends coffee. Nova's efforts extend to housing for disadvantaged families and essential infrastructure like childcare centres, fostering holistic development.

Gender equality isn't just a slogan at Nova; it's a guiding principle. Agnes champions the pivotal role of women in Rwandan coffee production, facilitating land acquisition, providing training, and offering financial assistance to women farmers. 

Recognizing the educational barriers faced by women due to childcare responsibilities, Nova started the NOVA Bright Starts Early Childcare Centre, empowering mothers to pursue gainful employment while ensuring the next generation receives vital education. The IKAWA SAWA project envisions enriching lives and securing a brighter future for generations to come. With each purchase of Nova coffee, consumers become stakeholders in this transformative journey, contributing to sustainable, thriving communities.