Tisya Mukuna, a 2024 Africa Business Heroes (ABH) Top 20 finalist, is revolutionizing the coffee industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with her determination to revive coffee production in the country’s capital, Kinshasa.
Mukuna has not only brought back coffee cultivation to an area where many believed it was impossible but has also created over 200 jobs, fueling local economic growth and providing a sense of pride for her workers.
In the 1980s, Congo was once a powerhouse of coffee production, generating 120,000 tons annually. However, economic and political instability led to a sharp decline in production.
Undeterred by the harsh conditions of Kinshasa, which is considered too hot and too flat for coffee cultivation, Mukuna began her mission to grow the first coffee tree in the city—a feat no one had ever imagined possible.
Her company, which grows, packages, and brands its own coffee from the farmer to the cup, is now a key player in reviving Congo’s coffee sector.
Mukuna’s products are sold to luxury hotels and restaurants both locally and internationally.
She has also introduced innovative coffee carts, ensuring that the finest coffee reaches the streets of Kinshasa, allowing locals to experience premium quality coffee.
Mukuna’s work has earned her recognition as a top finalist at ABH, where her story of perseverance and ingenuity continues to inspire. Beyond revitalizing coffee production, her business is contributing to Congo’s economic growth and empowering people in her community.
“My goal is to help revive the economy and provide jobs that people can be proud of,” Mukuna shared in a video posted by Africa Business Heroes.
Her vision is to make a global impact, one coffee bean at a time.
“I want to brew a greater story for Congo,” she says, embodying the spirit of resilience and innovation that is helping shape the future of coffee in the DRC.
