Rubia Coffee Roasters, a Kigali-based coffee brand, has been ranked 54th in The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026, marking the first time a Rwandan café has appeared on the list. The recognition highlights Rwanda's growing role in specialty coffee production and consumption. Founder Mathias Kalisa emphasized the achievement as proof that local businesses can compete globally.
The ranking was announced on February 16 at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, a prominent event in Spain focused on the specialty coffee industry, including barista championships and innovative technologies. It was produced in partnership with DaVinci Gourmet, a company known for beverage syrups and flavorings. Rubia Coffee Roasters also serves as the official distributor for Simonelli Group, an Italian coffee machine manufacturer.
This accolade evaluates shops based on criteria such as coffee quality, barista skills, customer service, innovation, atmosphere, sustainability, food offerings, and consistency. Mathias Kalisa, the founder who holds a Coffee Diploma and Q Grader certification—requiring passage of 19 exams on sensory skills, grading, and value chain knowledge—leads the team. All baristas at the café are trained professionals, with management stressing uniform experiences. "We focus on every detail," Kalisa told The New Times. "The experience must remain the same every day."
Founded in 2018, Rubia began roasting with a capacity of two tonnes per year and now processes about 20 tonnes annually, mostly for local consumption. The company aims to reach 100 tonnes within five years through facility expansions. It supplies five-star hotels, corporate offices, and hospitality venues, while offering equipment and consultancy services. Some roasted coffee exports to Middle Eastern markets, but most sales occur in Rwanda.
Initially, 80 percent of customers were expatriates and tourists; now, that figure has reversed, with Rwandans comprising 80 percent of the clientele. This shift reflects rising domestic coffee culture in a nation traditionally oriented toward tea and exporting 95 percent of its high-quality Arabica beans, per the National Agricultural Export Development Board. Rubia sources from two cooperatives, including one in northern Rwanda, to roast and package locally, retaining value in the country. It also acts as a training hub for youth in coffee preparation and roasting, fostering jobs and appreciation for the beverage.
"Coffee is not just a drink; it connects people and creates space for conversations," Kalisa said. The shop expressed pride in being the first from Sub-Saharan Africa on the list and hopes for more regional entries. "This is a global recognition," Kalisa added, noting Rwanda's ability to meet international standards.
The award underscores increasing confidence in origin-based value addition, including roasting and branding, in Rwanda's coffee sector.
