Nespresso has announced a substantial investment of $20 million aimed at revitalising the coffee-growing community in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by 2026. This investment will support local farmers through coffee purchases, price premiums, and technical assistance, ultimately enabling them to access global markets. Furthermore, Nespresso aspires to raise an additional $20 million to bolster coffee-growing communities in Kivu, as part of its ongoing Reviving Origins programme, which was established a decade ago to restore coffee agriculture in at-risk regions.
A Decline and a New Hope
In the 1980s, coffee was the DRC’s second most important export, renowned for its quality. However, the industry has faced significant challenges since the early 2000s due to prolonged instability. The introduction of the Nespresso Reviving Origins programme in 2020 marked a turning point, allowing for the production of exquisite coffees from the Lake Kivu region. This initiative aims to rejuvenate a coffee farming community that has suffered from decades of political and economic turmoil.
Guillaume Le Cunff, CEO of Nespresso, highlighted Kivu’s promising potential, asserting, Despite the difficulties the region has encountered, Kivu can emerge as one of the premier coffee-producing areas globally. Through our Reviving Origins programme, we collaborate closely with Congolese farmers and partner organisations such as the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), TechnoServe, and USAID to restore Kivu as a leading source of high-quality Arabica coffee.”
Addressing Community Needs
The region faces significant hardships, including escalating violence and inadequate access to clean water, leading to health crises. Nespresso’s investment aims not only to support farmers but also to enhance community resilience, access to healthcare, and availability of clean water. It is vital to support farmers through this agricultural shift while ensuring they have the necessary resources to sustain their livelihoods, Le Cunff remarked.
TechnoServe’s CEO William Warshauer praised the initiative, noting its transformative impact on local communities. Nespresso’s dedication to Kivu is driving enduring transformation by providing farmers with the skills and market access essential for their success. We believe this initiative will inspire other companies to invest in the region.
Infrastructure and Sustainability Initiatives
Since collaborating with ECI, Nespresso has contributed to building a health centre and water system in the Minova farming community, positively impacting over 22,000 residents. Abraham Leno, Executive Director of ECI, remarked, ‘With Nespresso’s ongoing assistance, we plan to broaden access to clean water and healthcare services.
Nespresso’s AAA Sustainable Quality™ Programme forms the backbone of the Reviving Origins initiative. This programme has established robust relationships with coffee farmers worldwide, focusing on protecting natural ecosystems and enhancing community resilience. Nespresso will deploy the AAA Programme to support farmers in adopting regenerative practices, including crop diversification and soil health improvement.
Promoting Gender Equality
A key aspect of the AAA Programme in the DRC includes gender equality training. By promoting gender equality, Nespresso aims to improve coffee quality, productivity, and the livelihoods of farming communities. Currently, 42% of agronomists in DRC are women, and various initiatives are underway to empower women through financial literacy, nutrition training, and leadership development.
Since 2020, Nespresso has also partnered with a digital start-up to enhance traceability and ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their quality coffee.
