Burundi has had a turbulent history since its independence from Belgium in 1962. Assassinations, civil unrest, violence, killings, and the list goes on. Nonetheless, Burundians are resilient people, and they remain optimistic despite their shortcomings. There is hope for the Republic of Burundi. Behind this dark overcast of trials and tribulations, there are specs of sun rays of hope. As world populations continue to grow, and China's economic leadership ascends in the free market, African countries will start seeing high demands for raw materials and manufactured goods than ever before.

Manufacturing and infrastructure will improve as more and more foreign investors bet on Africa's future. Investors want to see higher returns on their investments, skewing away from current low-return markets. There will be improvements in African markets, better quality information, and improved financial reporting standards, furthering investing in African markets.

Today, we see much improvement in Burundi's infrastructure despite its disadvantage of being a landlocked country. Burundi shipped an estimated US$180.8 million worth of goods around the globe in 2019. Coffee and precious metals were the most prominent categories of overall exports from Burundi. Gems, precious metals: US$66.8 million (37% of total exports) coffee, tea: $59.9 million (33.1%).

Burundi's wealth lies in their fertile grounds. Agriculture dominates Burundi's economy, and coffee is their main crop. Today more than 800,000 Burundi families are involved in coffee growing. These smallholders average about 250 trees each, with the average Burundian farmer tending from 50-250 coffee plants. There are small quantities of Robusta produced, but the majority is Arabica.

Burundi's coffee is grown between 1,250 meters and 2,000 meters above sea level. The primary coffee plant varietal grown is Bourbon, and the coffee is wet-processed. There are five central coffee-producing regions in Burundi: Buyenzi, Kirimiro, Mumirwa, Bweru, and Bugesera. These are the biggest, most common ones, known for their quality crops. About 25 million coffee plants (Bourbon varietal) cultivated on more than 60,000 hectares.

Though political and social turmoil in Congo has had adverse effects on Burundi's coffee farming, their future of coffee farming in the region and the availability for premium quality exports remains uncertain. Brokers can still get quality green coffee exported from Burundi, and it is available wholesale on the market. Progress in infrastructure has made Burundian Coffee readily available in US markets.

Burundi's coffee has delicate flavors, and balance liberated when roasted medium just far enough to bring out the flavors without overpowering them. At NoirePack, Boon Boona coffee offers TURIHAMWE, meaning "Together" in Kirundi from Ngozi Burundi. Coffee produced by a cooperative of seven women entrepreneurs sought an opportunity to export a tremendous Burundian coffee. This coffee has Cherry-like fruit and chocolate notes with a syrupy body and medium citrus acidity that won't disappoint your palate.

Burundi's coffee is receiving recognition worldwide. More and more roasters are demanding this unique African coffee. As this trend continues, Burundi's economy will climb as long as their government continues to implement deep, broad, and well-institutionalized reforms for Burundi's economy's greater good.

Follow us on our next journey as we continue to unveil more history of the "Black Gold."

Burundi’s Resilience and Coffee