{"id":54136,"date":"2025-05-10T10:06:24","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T10:06:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/how-rwanda-s-tea-rise-meets-malipo-s-mountain-momentum\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T11:34:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T09:34:31","slug":"how-rwanda-s-tea-rise-meets-malipo-s-mountain-momentum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/how-rwanda-s-tea-rise-meets-malipo-s-mountain-momentum\/","title":{"rendered":"How Rwanda\u2019s tea rise meets Malipo\u2019s Mountain momentum"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This journey offers meaningful parallels for Rwanda, where tea remains a vital contributor to both rural livelihoods and national export revenues.<\/p>\n<p>Jason Choi, Director of Sunwah Group and President of its GBA and Southwest Region, described the early challenges in Malipo: \u201cEach household made tea in its own way\u2014sometimes in a barbarous way. Some would cut down the tea tree entirely, harming both the environment and sustainability.\u201d To change this, Sunwah Group invested in a modern tea processing facility. <\/p>\n<p>Since its October 2023 launch, the Malipo Sunwah Tea Factory has processed over 60 tons of tea leaves, created 28 products, and introduced 11 varieties of &#8220;International Friendship Tea.&#8221; It now collaborates with 15 cooperatives and supports over 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.<\/p>\n<p>The factory\u2019s goals are two-fold: improving local livelihoods and building a standardized, globally recognized tea industry. Malipo\u2019s tea is now being positioned for both domestic and international markets, including Africa.<\/p>\n<p>Rwanda\u2019s own tea journey, though unique in context, shares striking similarities in ambition and reform. Rwanda\u2019s tea production has steadily increased from 5,910 tons in 1980 to 40,003 tons by June 2024. <\/p>\n<p>Smallholder farmers contribute about 65 percent of the green leaves used in production, while industrial blocs account for the rest. In 2023\/2024 alone, Rwanda earned 114.8 million USD from 38,467.7 tons of tea exports, according to the Rwanda Development Board. <\/p>\n<p>Notably, about 97.3 percent of Rwanda&#8217;s tea exports remain in raw form. However, the distribution of these exports offers insight into the evolving market dynamics. <\/p>\n<p>Eighty percent of Rwanda\u2019s tea exports are sold via auctions, where prices can fluctuate based on demand and quality. 17.3% are sold directly to buyers, enabling a more stable price and fostering long-term relationships with international tea importers. <\/p>\n<p>A modest 2.7 percent is consumed locally, a figure that reflects the nation\u2019s commitment to expanding its export markets.<\/p>\n<p>Despite these figures, Rwanda is working to shift the focus toward value-added products and greater market diversification. For instance, initiatives to increase the processing of tea into ready-to-sell products, such as tea bags, are in progress to reduce dependence on raw exports and increase revenue per unit. <\/p>\n<p>The government&#8217;s drive to plant 40 million new tea seedlings as part of a broader sustainability and industry transformation strategy further underlines Rwanda&#8217;s vision to build a globally competitive tea industry.<\/p>\n<p>In Malipo, the transformation was accelerated by both private investment and proactive local governance. \u201cEven at night, government officials would offer help\u2014talking to villages and farmers the next day,\u201d said Choi. Diana Yinan Dai, Chief Representative of Sunwah Tea in Beijing and Yunnan, highlighted the transition from informal, manual production to a more mechanized, skill-based industry. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe teach the locals how to make the tea properly, and they get paid\u2026 Now tea has become an industry,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>This modernization has had a tangible economic impact. By 2024, Malipo\u2019s GDP hit 11.05 billion yuan, with agriculture and related sectors contributing 3.06 billion. The average rural income rose by 7.4 percent to 16,679 yuan. Chaping Mountain\u2019s 133-hectare ancient tea garden now stands as a cultural and economic icon.<\/p>\n<p>Rwanda has similarly invested in modernizing agriculture. Digital transformation, rural infrastructure, and strategic investor partnerships are enhancing productivity and export readiness.<\/p>\n<p>Digital payment systems are being rolled out across the sector to improve efficiency and transparency. These changes are expected to yield long-term cost savings and reinvestment opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>Rwanda\u2019s tea industry has also gained international recognition. Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd won first prize for BP1 (Kitabi) at the 2015 Gold Medal Tea Competition hosted by the Tea Associations of the USA and Canada, affirming the country\u2019s quality credentials.<\/p>\n<p>Drawing a compelling parallel, the experiences of Rwanda and Malipo underscore the potential for even geographically challenging regions to emerge as significant players in the global agricultural landscape. Both their journeys highlight the transformative power of innovation, strategic partnerships, and the modernization of agricultural value chains.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86886\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/a_view_of_chaping_mountain_s_historic_tea_garden_now_revitalized_and_producing_premium-grade_leaves.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86887\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/a_state-of-the-art_drying_machine_at_malipo_sunwah_tea_factory_removes_moisture_from_freshly_rolled_tea_leaves_locking_in_aroma_and_preserving_quality.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86888\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/a_view_of_malipo_county_s_misty_mountain_ranges_now_home_to_thriving_tea_plantations_that_have_transformed_the_rural_economy.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86889\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/different_packaging_formats_from_loose-leaf_tins_to_eco-friendly_sachets_cater_to_diverse_market_needs.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86890\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/dew-laden_tea_leaves_in_malipo_thrive_in_high_humidity_and_frequent_fog_perfect_for_flavor-rich_growth.jpg\" alt=\"Tea bushes planted in terraced rows on steep mountain slopes optimize sunlight and drainage in both China and Rwanda\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86891\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/dressed_in_traditional_attire_a_performer_in_malipo_demonstrate_a_cultural_tea_ceremony-an_artistic_blend_of_elegance_heritage_and_hospitality_that_honors_the_region_s_tea_tradition.jpg\" alt=\"Dressed in traditional attire, a performer in Malipo demonstrate a cultural tea ceremony-an artistic blend of elegance, heritage, and hospitality that honors the region\u2019s tea tradition\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86892\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/factory_staff_seal_large_bales_of_processed_tea_carefully_labeled_for_export_to_international_buyers_across_the_world.jpg\" alt=\"Factory staff seal large bales of processed tea, carefully labeled for export to international buyers across the world\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86893\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/img_0885.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86894\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/from_plucking_to_drying_rolling_fermenting_and_packaging_tea_leaves_undergo_meticulous_steps_before_reaching_the_cup.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86895\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/img_0887.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86896\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/img_0886.jpg\" alt=\"Local leaders and investors inspect Malipo\u2019s tea-growing sites, reflecting the strong governance behind the sector\u2019s growth\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86897\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/img_0892.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86898\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/img_0894.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86899\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/local_leaders_and_investors_inspect_malipo_s_tea-growing_sites_reflecting_the_strong_governance_behind_the_sector_s_growth.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86900\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/mechanical_rollers_gently_press_and_twist_tea_leaves_shaping_them_and_aiding_in_the_oxidation_process_that_defines_the_tea_s_flavor_profile.jpg\" alt=\"Mechanical rollers gently press and twist tea leaves, shaping them and aiding in the oxidation process that defines the tea&#039;s flavor profile\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86901\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/they_carefully_pluck_tea_leaves_from_age-old_tea_trees_in_malipo_s_highlands_preserving_traditional_harvesting_practices_passed_down_through_generations.jpg\" alt=\"They carefully pluck tea leaves from age-old tea trees in Malipo\u2019s highlands, preserving traditional harvesting practices passed down through generations\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86902\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/tea_bushes_planted_in_terraced_rows_on_steep_mountain_slopes_optimize_sunlight_and_drainage_in_both_china_and_rwanda.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86903\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/workers_at_the_malipo_sunwah_tea_factory_process_freshly_harvested_tea_leaves_turning_them_into_globally_marketed_blends.jpg\" alt=\"Workers at the Malipo Sunwah Tea Factory process freshly harvested tea leaves, turning them into globally marketed blends\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-86905\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/workers_monitor_the_oxidation_fermentation_phase_in_a_temperature-controlled_environment_an_essential_step_in_creating_black_and_oolong_teas.jpg\" alt=\"Workers monitor the oxidation (fermentation) phase in a temperature-controlled environment\u2014an essential step in creating black and oolong teas\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the mountainous Malipo County of southeastern China, a remarkable agricultural transformation is redefining rural life. Once home to over 74,000 people living below the poverty line, the county has evolved into a thriving agribusiness hub, thanks to reforms in the tea sector, foreign investment, and effective local governance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":2000086885,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[75],"byline":[3188],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-54136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-homenews","byline-mugisha-christian"],"bylines":[{"id":3188,"name":"Mugisha Christian","slug":"mugisha-christian","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"contributors":[{"id":3188,"name":"Mugisha Christian","slug":"mugisha-christian","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"featured_image":{"id":2000086885,"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/from_plucking_to_drying_rolling_fermenting_and_packaging_tea_leaves_undergo_meticulous_steps_before_reaching_the_cup.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":0,"height":0,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/from_plucking_to_drying_rolling_fermenting_and_packaging_tea_leaves_undergo_meticulous_steps_before_reaching_the_cup.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/from_plucking_to_drying_rolling_fermenting_and_packaging_tea_leaves_undergo_meticulous_steps_before_reaching_the_cup.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/from_plucking_to_drying_rolling_fermenting_and_packaging_tea_leaves_undergo_meticulous_steps_before_reaching_the_cup.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/from_plucking_to_drying_rolling_fermenting_and_packaging_tea_leaves_undergo_meticulous_steps_before_reaching_the_cup.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/from_plucking_to_drying_rolling_fermenting_and_packaging_tea_leaves_undergo_meticulous_steps_before_reaching_the_cup.jpg","width":0,"height":0}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54136"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54136\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2000108467,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54136\/revisions\/2000108467"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000086885"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54136"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=54136"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=54136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}