Tisya Mukuna Aims to Revitalize Coffee Production in Congo

Coffee, once a major agricultural export for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was considered one of Africa's leading coffee producers during the 1970s and 80s due to its volcanic soil, abundant rainfall, and ideal conditions for arabica and robusta coffee varieties.

However, this prominence has diminished significantly over the years. The onset of conflict and economic instability in the 1990s led to a collapse of infrastructure, the abandonment of plantations, and disruption of supply chains. As a result, the DRC now produces only a small fraction of its former coffee yield, despite a growing global appetite for specialty and traceable coffee.

Emerging from these challenges is a new wave of entrepreneurs focused on revitalizing the industry from within. The eastern province of Kivu, known for its suitability for arabica, has historically been prominent, but coffee production is also expanding into other areas, including regions surrounding the capital, Kinshasa.

Tisya Mukuna, a Congolese entrepreneur, views the matter of coffee production as a reflection of the country's broader economic landscape.

"Congolese coffee has a storied past. Over 40 years ago, the DRC was among the top producers and exporters. Today, that has changed due to political and economic turmoil," she stated.

Mukuna is part of an emerging group of Congolese producers intent on repositioning coffee as more than just an export good, but as a source of local pride and value.

"With my coffee brand, La Kinoise Café, I aim to restore Congo's reputation and draw attention back to Congolese coffee, enhancing appreciation for its unique flavor," she elaborated.

Starting her venture in 2018 with a coffee plantation on Mont Ngafula near Kinshasa, Mukuna currently cultivates 20 hectares. She founded La Kinoise Café in 2020 with a focus on local production, processing, and selling of coffee. Initially, her initiative faced doubt from local observers.

"When I announced my plans to grow coffee in Kinshasa, people were skeptical, claiming it couldn't be done. However, my determination drove me to take on the challenge, and what began as an obstacle transformed into a thriving business," she recounted.

Her journey reflects a shift amongst younger entrepreneurs who are innovating by moving away from traditional raw export models.

A significant hurdle for the sector lies in the absence of local processing facilities; much of Congo's coffee is still shipped abroad as raw beans and value-added overseas. Mukuna aims to be different.

"I wanted to take control of the entire value chain, from seed to cup. Often, coffee gets exported for roasting and is returned at a higher price. I intend to demonstrate that the necessary expertise exists locally," she remarked.

In addition to her plantation, where she grows mainly arabica, she supports local farmers by buying their coffee, offering them technical and financial assistance and integrating their products into her supply chain. Her facility boasts a processing capability of over 15,000 packets monthly. By merging production, processing, and distribution, her enterprise strives to retain economic value locally and generate employment.

"This approach cultivates broader impact, creates jobs, and showcases that expertise can be found within Congo," she added.

Nonetheless, the sector continues to encounter considerable obstacles, including limited financing, inadequate infrastructure, and logistical difficulties. Green coffee production stood at 65,701 tonnes in 2024, according to FAO statistics, marking a 5.28% increase from the previous year. This is a marked contrast to the production peak of 103,080 tonnes in 1988 and a low of 28,233 tonnes in 2014. Poor infrastructure remains a critical issue.

"Agricultural roads are nearly non-existent, and we often have to transport coffee via motorbike," Mukuna explained. "The most stubborn challenge has been finding people who share the vision."

For someone with over a decade of experience in the industry, Mukuna recognizes these challenges as systemic.

"The difficulty lies not in soil or potential but in organization. Without proper infrastructure, funding, and structured networks, it becomes challenging to compete," she noted.

These persistent issues have hindered Congolese coffee from meeting the quality and consistency standards set by neighboring coffee producers.

Women have historically been vital to agriculture in the DRC, yet they remain underrepresented in top roles, especially within export sectors. Mukuna maintains a broader focus.

"We are entrepreneurs foremost; it does not matter if one is a woman or a man, the priority is creating value," she stated.

While she acknowledges the persistent male-dominated environment, she shares experiences of often being the sole woman and youth in many rooms.

"I had to establish my credibility during those times," she recalled.

Mukuna's endeavors have garnered international attention. In 2022, she was selected for Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 list, and her coffee received accolades at the International Agricultural Show in Paris. Additionally, she was a finalist for the African Business Heroes competition in 2024.

"These accolades afford us visibility in platforms where we might otherwise not be heard. However, we don’t seek trophies; our drive stems from a clear vision," she remarked.

Looking forward, both entrepreneurs and experts concur that more substantial reforms are critical.

"We require investment in agriculture, better infrastructure, streamlined export processes, and reduced bureaucracy," Mukuna emphasized. "There must be a clear economic strategy with a well-defined role for agriculture."

Currently, the revival of Congo's coffee sector remains precarious, largely propelled by personal initiatives. However, with rising global interest and increasing local innovation, the industry is slowly making a comeback. The narrative of Congolese coffee is being rewritten, focusing on a blend of ambition and its historical context.