JNP Coffee, USAID partner to boost Burundi’s coffee economy

BURUNDI – JNP Coffee, a green coffee trading company, has partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to enhance the production and export of premium specialty coffee from Burundi.  

This collaboration aims to strengthen Burundi’s coffee economy, particularly by creating opportunities for women and youth. 

Under the initiative, JNP Coffee and its affiliate, JNP Coffee Burundi, will establish a coffee micro-lot dry mill and launch the Coffee Academy of Burundi.  

The project, which spans 23 months, is expected to generate 600 jobs and increase Burundi’s coffee exports to the United States by approximately US$400,000 by 2026. 

The funding partnership between JNP Coffee and USAID will support several key activities, including hiring personnel, acquiring land and equipment, constructing the dry mill, and launching training programs at the Coffee Academy.  

The academy will serve as a year-round educational hub, equipping women and youth with skills for diverse roles in the coffee industry. 

Training at the Coffee Academy will be delivered by expert consultants using materials from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).  

Over 100 participants will gain certifications as baristas, cuppers, coffee processors, roasters, and marketers. JNP Coffee is actively seeking partners to collaborate in achieving transformative outcomes for these trainees. 

“While there is a steep learning curve for both sides in co-creating these projects, we are grateful for the strength and support of USAID. Our success will drive greater progress for the people of Burundi, aligning with JNP Coffee’s core mission,” said Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian, Founder and CEO of JNP Coffee. 

In addition to this partnership, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and TechnoServe launched the Burundi Better Coffee Initiative in November 2022. This five-year program aims to assist 60,000 coffee-farming households through improved processes and training.  

JNP Coffee plans to collaborate with similar initiatives to boost Burundi’s coffee sector further. 

With over a decade of experience, JNP Coffee has significantly contributed to improving yields and incomes for Burundi’s coffee farmers.  

Notably, in 2019, seven women coffee farmers used their earnings and premiums from JNP Coffee to construct a US$100,000 wet mill, enhancing production capacity and enabling self-managed processing. 

Coffee remains a vital part of Burundi’s economy, accounting for nearly 40% of export resources and supporting the livelihoods of 8 million people. 

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