KIVU REGION (NORTH KIVU & SOUTH KIVU PROVINCES)
The Kivu Region, encompassing North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in eastern DRC, forms the heart of the country’s Arabica coffee production. Situated along the Albertine Rift Valley, bordering Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, Kivu’s high elevations, volcanic soils, and equatorial climate create ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional specialty coffees.
Kivu region is located at Eastern DRC, around the northern and western shores of Lake Kivu. Kivu region altitude ranges from 1,400 to 2,000 meters above sea level. It is Equatorial with moderate temperatures (16–24 °C) and bimodal rainfall, enabling nearly year-round production. The area has rugged highlands, forested hills, and terraced slopes providing excellent drainage with deep, fertile volcanic loams, rich in organic matter and minerals, particularly around Mount Nyiragongo and the Virunga range.
The Kivu region produces 100% Arabica coffee, mainly of the Bourbon and Typica varieties, with smaller amounts of Blue Mountain and Caturra. Processing is predominantly washed, though natural and honey-processed coffees are gradually emerging. Kivu coffees are known for their bright and complex acidity, fruity sweetness with notes of berry, plum, and citrus, a clean finish with floral and spice undertones, and a medium to full body.
Coffee serves as a vital livelihood source for tens of thousands of smallholder farmers organized into cooperatives. Post-conflict recovery initiatives and NGO programs; such as the Virunga Alliance, Kawa Kabuya, and Sopacdi Cooperative, have revitalized the sector by improving yields, traceability, and export quality. Today, specialty coffees from Kivu are gaining international recognition, particularly in European and North American markets.
MAIN COFFEE GROWING ZONES
North Kivu:
o Beni, Lubero, Masisi, Rutshuru, and Butembo is key producing territories. o Home to smallholder cooperatives and specialty coffee initiatives under the “Virunga Coffee” and “Kivu Coffee” brands. o Coffee profile: Bright acidity, full body, and notes of red fruit, citrus, and dark chocolate.
South Kivu:
o Main zones include Kalehe, Kabare, Walungu, Uvira, and Idjwi Island.
o Idjwi Island, in the middle of Lake Kivu, is known for producing clean, balanced Arabica with floral and honey notes. o Cooperative-led processing (e.g., washing stations in Kalehe and Kabare) enhances quality consistency. o Coffee profile: Sweet and smooth with floral aroma, stone-fruit flavours, and silky mouth feel.
