The Democratic Republic of the Congo was once a coffee powerhouse, with rich volcanic soils and favourable conditions making it a leading producer of arabica and robusta coffee. However, conflict, instability, and economic decline have taken a toll on the sector, with the country now producing a fraction of its former output. Despite growing global demand for specialty and traceable coffee, a quiet revival is underway, driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs seeking to rebuild the industry from within.
One of these entrepreneurs is Tisya Mukuna, a Congolese businesswoman who has made it her mission to revive the country's coffee industry. Mukuna's coffee brand, La Kinoise café, aims to restore the Congo's reputation and bring attention back to Congolese coffee, while also helping people appreciate its unique flavour.
Mukuna's journey began in 2018 with a coffee plantation on Mont Ngafula, on the outskirts of Kinshasa. Today, she has 20 hectares under cultivation and has successfully launched La Kinoise Café, a model that produces, processes, and sells coffee locally. Her determination and perseverance have paid off, as her business has become a beacon of hope for the sector.
Tisya Mukuna's story is a testament to the resilience of African entrepreneurs in the face of adversity. As the Afrobeats-inspired coffee culture continues to grow in Nigeria, Mukuna's efforts to revive the Congolese coffee industry are a reminder that every nation has its own unique flavour to offer. With her coffee plantation in Kinshasa, Mukuna is not only rebuilding her country's coffee industry but also connecting with the global market, making her a true trailblazer in the world of specialty coffee.
