Day 7. D.R. Congo Lugendo Natural
DR Congo Lugendo – South Kivu
This naturally processed lot comes from the Lugendo Washing Station in South Kivu, perched at 1,473 metres in the Kabare region. Operated by Virunga Coffee, the station partners with smallholder farmers cultivating coffee up to 1,750 metres above sea level. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Virunga has trained more than 11,000 farmers in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and supports both Organic and Rainforest Alliance certifications, helping to bring out the very best of Congolese coffee.
A Century of Coffee in the DRC
Coffee cultivation in the Democratic Republic of Congo began in the early 20th century under Belgian colonial rule, when Arabica and Robusta trees were planted for export. The eastern highlands of South Kivu and North Kivu, with their volcanic soils, high altitudes, and abundant rainfall, proved especially well-suited to Arabica. By the mid-1900s, coffee was one of the country’s top exports, sustaining rural communities and earning recognition on the global stage.
Decline After Independence
After independence in 1960, decades of economic instability and conflict undermined the industry. Mismanagement, nationalisation, and corruption during Mobutu’s regime eroded infrastructure and farmer support. Civil wars in the 1990s and early 2000s devastated eastern Congo, destroying washing stations and transport routes. Many smallholder farmers abandoned coffee altogether, shifting to subsistence crops or fleeing their land due to insecurity.
The Specialty Coffee Revival
Yet Congo’s potential never disappeared. From the early 2010s, NGOs, cooperatives, and private investors began rebuilding the sector with a focus on specialty coffee. Virunga Coffee Company, founded in 2012 by Schluter Ltd., has played a central role in this revival. By constructing modern washing stations, distributing millions of seedlings, and training thousands of farmers, Virunga has helped re-establish Congo as a producer of unique, traceable lots with international appeal.
Present Day and Future Promise
Coffees from regions such as Kabare, Kalehe, Idjwi, and parts of North Kivu are now earning recognition for their bright acidity, stone fruit notes, floral aromatics, and rich body. Though challenges remain—particularly around security and infrastructure—Congo’s specialty sector is growing steadily, supported by committed farmers and innovative partners.
The Lugendo Washing Station, built in 2018, represents this new era. With the guidance of 40 trained agronomists and access to improved processing techniques, smallholders in Kabare are producing clean, characterful coffees that reflect both place and progress. Every cup of this naturally processed “Kivu 3” lot tells a story of resilience, renewal, and the bright future of Congolese coffee.
Every cup tells a story. Our coffees are sourced from passionate farmers around the world, roasted with care in Buckinghamshire, and delivered fresh to your home. Treat yourself to something special, or share the gift of great coffee