A commitment that existed from the beginning
Rebu Burubwa grew up in South Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where coffee has long been a 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 maintaining a close connection to his roots and the people back home.
His experiences from East Africa and Sweden shaped a clear conviction: long-term opportunities can be created through quality, responsible trade and people working together.
That conviction became the foundation for Rutasoka – a company that connects coffee producers and cooperatives in 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 had a strong commitment to creating opportunities in the communities that shaped him.
Seeing the challenges in his hometown of Uvira, he decided to take action. In 2017, he founded a women's clinic to improve access to maternal health care and safer childbirth.
Today, that same commitment guides Rutasoka. Through trade, close collaboration and continued investment, we work with our 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 founded to improve access to maternal healthcare and provide women with a safer environment during pregnancy and childbirth.
The clinic has also created local jobs and strengthened healthcare capacity by supporting the staff who provide essential care in the community.
It was Rutasoka's first initiative and helped shape a way of working that today encompasses coffee, responsible trade and collaboration throughout our entire value chain.
Hope and faith in the future
The women's clinic has become a source of security for families in Uvira.
By creating jobs, supporting local healthcare professionals and strengthening healthcare capacity, the clinic contributes to a society where more people can participate and build 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 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 we build the value chain together
Partnerships grow from producers and cooperatives in the countries of origin to our roastery, distribution partners, workplaces and customers throughout 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 in the countries of origin to our roastery, distribution partners, workplaces and customers throughout 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 we create value beyond the cup
Together with our partners, we continue to support producers, strengthen coffee-growing communities, and invest 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 to support producers, strengthen coffee-growing communities, and invest in resilient farms and the long-term future of coffee.
