Rwanda Sholi Coffee: A Naturally Processed Bourbon Supporting Women in Coffee
Introducing Rwanda Sholi: A Coffee Rooted in Empowerment
In the Muhanga District of central Rwanda, we find the Abateraninkunga ba Sholi Cooperative, about halfway between the capital city Kigali and Lake Kivu, affectionately known as “Sholi.” Established in 2008, Sholi emerged from the women's association Kundwa and has carried the spirit of women’s empowerment as a core value ever since. This year, in celebration of International Women’s Day, we have once again partnered with the Sholi Cooperative in Rwanda to honor and uplift the contributions of women in coffee, showcasing this special release women’s lot.
A Unique Natural Process for Exceptional Flavor
This coffee is a naturally processed Bourbon varietal, and although red and yellow Bourbons make up the vast majority of coffee produced in Rwanda, the natural processing of this lot still lends it a rather unique flavor profile. The process begins once the coffee cherries arrive at the Sholi washing station, where the highest quality cherries are sorted, floated, and put on the drying table for three to four days. After this, the dried cherries are covered for 24-30 hours to develop the flavor. The cherries are then monitored closely as they continue to dry for up to 35 days. This timeframe is determined by the weather at the time of drying, so it’s subject to some variance. The meticulous work of everyone involved in the coffee’s processing, from start to finish, is evident in the lively and radiant flavor profile of this coffee, as well as the consistency of the quality from cup to cup. Look for bright notes of strawberry and sangria balanced with rich white chocolate in this coffee.
What Does "Abateraninkunga ba Sholi" Mean?
In the national language of Rwanda, Kinyarwanda, the name “Abateraninkunga ba Sholi” means “mutual assistance.” The name could not be more aptly chosen, as the Sholi Cooperative has committed itself not only to the production of extremely high-quality coffee but also to the support and empowerment of their community. As Sholi has grown, they have stayed true to their devotion to uplifting women, and today over one-third of their members are women, including two of their five board members. Now, over 15 years later, Sholi continues to invest in their community through initiatives to support education, healthcare, economic development, and sustainability.
OZO Coffee’s Giveback: Supporting Sholi’s Community Initiatives
In 2024, OZO partnered with Sholi for the first time to organize a giveback from funds raised through whole bean sales. We raised over $2,000 to support their initiative to expand their apiary and beekeeping program—a project that nearly tripled their honey production. This year, we are excited to partner with the Sholi Cooperative once again to offer this coffee and facilitate another giveback to this amazing community. On International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2025, 100% of all whole bean sales will go straight back to Sholi. Their next project shifts its focus to young women and youth in agriculture, fostering education through the development of educational nurseries and farm plots. With these resources, women will have more access to education surrounding coffee growing and production, composting and sustainability initiatives, quality assurance, and even business management and marketing strategies.