A commitment that came first
Rebu Burubwa grew up in South Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where coffee has long been part of everyday life and an important source of income for local communities.
After political unrest forced him and his family to seek refuge in Sweden in 2007, he built a new life while remaining closely connected to his roots and the people back home.
His experience across East Africa and Sweden shaped a clear belief: lasting opportunities can be created through quality, responsible trade and people working together.
That belief became the foundation of Rutasoka—a company connecting coffee producers and cooperatives across East Africa with our roastery, distribution partners, workplaces and customers in Sweden through a transparent value chain built on trust, quality and long-term relationships.
From belief to action
Long before Rutasoka was founded, Rebu was committed to creating opportunities for the communities that shaped him.
When he saw the challenges facing his hometown of Uvira, he chose to act. In 2017, he established a women’s clinic to improve access to maternal healthcare and safer childbirth.
Today, the same commitment guides Rutasoka. Through trade, close collaboration and continued investment, we work with partners to strengthen livelihoods and create value that can grow over time.
Our first initiative The Women's Clinic in Uvira
The Women’s Clinic was established to improve access to maternal healthcare and provide women with a safer environment during pregnancy and childbirth.
The clinic has also created local employment and strengthened healthcare capacity by supporting the people who provide essential care within the community.
It was Rutasoka’s first initiative and helped shape an approach that now extends through coffee, responsible trade and collaboration across our value chain.
Hope and faith in the future
The Women’s Clinic has become a source of confidence for families in Uvira.
By creating jobs, supporting local caregivers and strengthening healthcare capacity, the clinic contributes to a community where more people can participate in building a stronger future.
The experience continues to influence how Rutasoka works today: together with local partners, with a long-term perspective and a shared commitment to development.
From a dream to reality
2007 a new beginning
Rebu is starting a new life in Sweden and brings with him a commitment to creating long-term opportunities through trade and joint development.
2018–2023 building the value chain together
Partnerships grow from producers and cooperatives at origin to our roastery, distribution partners, workplaces and customers across Sweden.
2007 a new beginning
Rebu is starting a new life in Sweden and brings with him a commitment to creating long-term opportunities through trade and joint development.
2018–2023 we build the value chain together
Partnerships grow from producers and cooperatives at origin to our roastery, distribution partners, workplaces and customers across Sweden.
2017 from commitment to action
The women's clinic opens in Uvira, transforming a long-standing commitment into concrete support for women, families and the surrounding community.
2024–present creating value beyond the cup
Together with our partners, we continue supporting producers, strengthening coffee-growing communities and investing in resilient farms and the long-term future of coffee.
2017 from commitment to action
The women's clinic opens in Uvira, transforming a long-standing commitment into concrete support for women, families and the surrounding community.
2024–present we create value beyond the cup
Together with our partners, we continue supporting producers, strengthening coffee-growing communities and investing in resilient farms and the long-term future of coffee.
