Nespresso is pouring $40 million into reviving specialty coffee production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by 2026. This initiative builds on the success of their existing Reviving Origins program, which aims to restore coffee cultivation in struggling regions.
The investment includes $20 million directly from Nespresso, with an ambitious goal of raising an additional $20 million to support coffee-growing communities around Lake Kivu. Funds will be used for coffee purchases, premium prices for farmers, technical assistance, and community projects. Nespresso hopes this will help DRC reclaim its former glory as a leading producer of high-quality Arabica coffee.
“Kivu has the potential to be a world-class coffee region,” said Nespresso CEO Guillaume Le Cunff. “Through Reviving Origins, we’re working closely with Congolese farmers and partners to revitalize the industry.”
The DRC’s coffee industry suffered greatly from instability in the early 2000s. Launched in 2020, the Reviving Origins program has already shown success in reviving coffee production around Lake Kivu.
“Nespresso’s commitment is creating lasting change,” said TechnoServe CEO William Warshauer. “Equipping farmers with knowledge and market connections is having a transformative impact.”
Partners like the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI) are using the program’s support to build vital infrastructure. “We’ve built a health center and water system in Minova,” said ECI Executive Director Abraham Leno. “Over 22,000 people now have access to clean water, and our medical team provides essential care.”
Nespresso’s existing AAA Sustainable Quality™ program will be central to this effort. This program fosters long-term relationships with coffee farmers, promoting sustainable practices and community resilience. In the DRC, Nespresso will introduce regenerative practices like crop diversification and improved soil health, while also implementing a biodiversity tracking tool using the region’s unique birdlife.