OUR STORY

Despite the challenges posed by past civil unrest, Sawa House of Coffee has worked tirelessly to transform the coffee landscape in the eastern Congo through strategic partnerships, innovative farming practices, and deep engagement with the local community.

At the heart of Sawa House of Coffee is a beautiful father-son story of Ghislain and Raphaël Muntu. Together, they combined their expertise to build something greater than themselves, positively impacting over 2,500 lives. This partnership illustrates their commitment to creating a lasting legacy and a brighter future for their community.

Discover how Sawa House of Coffee has become a symbol of sustainable growth and economic empowerment. Every cup of our coffee embodies a story of commitment, optimism, and the resilient spirit of Congo. Welcome to our world, where passion for excellence meets significant impact, forging a better future for coffee lovers worldwide.

To fully understand our story, we must go back to the 90s. At that time, coffee export from the Lake Kivu region in eastern Congo was thriving. The region exported 120,000 tons of coffee per year, generating 75% of the country's agricultural export revenues. Unfortunately, this prosperity was decimated by the Congolese civil wars. Since the end of the second civil war in 2003, the recovery of the coffee industry has been hampered by political unrest, chronic recession, and the loss of local expertise. By 2016, exports represented less than 10% of their pre-war level.

Despite these challenges, our dedication to revitalizing the coffee industry has remained steadfast. Through strategic partnerships, innovative agricultural practices, and a deep connection with local communities, we have not only revitalized but also transformed the coffee landscape in eastern Congo.

Idjwi, a large lake island on Lake Kivu, exemplifies these challenges and opportunities. Covered with coffee, cassava, and fish, Idjwi is isolated and suffers from chronic poverty, with 80% of the population living on less than $1 a day. The island's coffee growers, lacking legitimate commercial opportunities, smuggled their harvest to Rwanda, risking drowning in the dangerous Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, they were not only at risk of being robbed but were often paid far less than the true value of their coffee.

In 2012, Gilbert Makele founded the CPNCK with local producers to promote peace and fight poverty by creating job opportunities and offering competitive remuneration through the coffee and cocoa industry.

To overcome these challenges, Africa in Action, a nonprofit organization led by Ghislain Muntu, partnered with Gilbert Makele. Together, they stimulated the local economy with the support of private investors and various government funding, facilitating growth in areas such as agriculture, energy, construction, ecotourism, and especially telecommunications.

Their combined efforts were essential in establishing a direct link between coffee producers and international buyers, thus eliminating risky smuggling practices.

The impact of this collaboration has been profound. CPNCK and Africa in Action have transformed the coffee industry in Lake Kivu, bringing hope and opportunities to the local community. Their commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment has had significant social and economic impacts, making their coffee a symbol of resilience and progress. Today, they work with over 300 former child soldiers and 500 women, providing opportunities and a better future for these vulnerable groups.

It is within this context of transformation that SAWA House of Coffee was born, a beautiful father-son story of Ghislain and Raphaël Muntu, along with their nephew Jack Antoine Muntu. Together, they created a direct link between producers and consumers, eliminating intermediaries. This connection allows farmers to be better compensated and ensures that consumers receive high-quality coffee while supporting sustainable practices. Their commitment to creating a lasting legacy and a brighter future for their community has had a positive impact on more than 2,500 lives.

By choosing Sawa House of Coffee, you not only enjoy an exceptional cup of coffee but also contribute to a profound social impact. Your support helps maintain livelihoods, empower local communities, and foster sustainable growth in one of the most resilient regions in the world. Every purchase of Sawa coffee embodies a commitment to ethical sourcing and economic empowerment, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of Congo and its people through the simple pleasure of a good cup of coffee. Together, we can build a better future, one sip at a time