MEET OUR FOUNDER

Jack Karuletwa | Founder & CEO

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Rwanda’s recent history has been anything but a fairy tale. Decades of persecution and brutal genocide ravaged the country, forcing millions to flee and live as refugees. Our founder, Jack Karuletwa, was one of the fortunate ones. After years of running, he escaped to the US in the mid-90s and built a life and career he could never have imagined. But all the while, Jack’s roots remained firmly planted in his homeland. He knew he had to give back.

Jack’s passion for coffee led him back to Rwanda’s green hills and volcanic soil. Right away, coffee’s ability to bring people together became clear. He saw a resilience and spirit he never imagined possible after what the coffee farmers had been through.

He witnessed a level of craft that resulted in some of the world’s best Bourbon Arabica beans. From that moment on, Jack’s mission became clear: to help these remarkable farmers take their rightful place on the global economic stage.

Through Silverback Coffee of Rwanda, Jack is paying forward the same hope and opportunities he had. His story, and the story of every one of the farmers he partners with, is one of hope, and yes, the magical power of coffee to wake up an entire nation and help its people live happily ever after.

Silverback Coffee is Proudly Black Owned
Proudly black owned.

Together,
we’re helping
keep Rwanda,
Rwanda.

The name “Rwanda” finds its roots in the Kinyarwanda words “uru” and “anda,” which means “a beautiful place.” If you ever have a chance to take in its stunning vistas and meet its warm-hearted people, you’ll understand why. You’ll also understand our commitment to helping this amazing country shine through amazing coffee.

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These are magic beans.

They won’t grow into a giant beanstalk. Or lead to a goose that lays golden eggs. These beans, grown and harvested by the coffee farmers of the Cyungo Cooperative, are much more powerful than that. They offer hope to a recovering nation. They create purpose. Connect communities. Protect wildlife. These beans conjure different notes. They can be floral. Fruity. Nutty. Chocolatey. They’re prized throughout the world.

And the more of these magic beans we grow, harvest, roast, and sell, the more powerful they become.

Our
coffee

Flavor as rich as our history.
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