The COOPAC Coffee Cooperative

Founder and Chairman of COOPAC

Mr. Emmanuel Rwakagara Nzungize

President of the Republic Paul Kagame at the inauguration of the washing station with the Founder and Chairman of COOPAC Mr. Emmanuel Rwakagara Nzungize

Administration

COOPAC (La Coopérative pour la Promotion des Activités - Café) was established on April 14 2001 by Emmanuel Rwakagara Nzungize , the Managing Director. After spending 30 years in the Congo, where he grew up, Emmanuel returned to his native county to refound the cooperative initially created by his father in the 1950s.

He started up with 100 farmers and obtained startup financing from ACDI-VOCA, an American development fund. This initiative was recognized by the President of Rwanda who attended the inauguration of COOPAC's modern new coffeee washing station in 2002.

Emmanuel Rwakagara Nzungize defines his initial objectives in founding COOPAC as follows:

"To restructure the coffee business in this high potential region by cultivating high quality coffee to penetrate more profitable markets. To improve substantially the living conditions of the producers in a strong and lasting fashion."

This was the objective when COOPAC registered with Fair Trade in 2003. Where are they today? From the original 110 producers, the cooperative now numbers more than 2,000, with steady growth because of the continuing demand for membership.

Structure

The activities of COOPAC are divided across six areas: Kiraga and Rwinyoni n the District de Nyamyumba ; Biruyi, Kayove, Kinunu and Musasa in the District of Kayove, the Town of Gisenyi and the District of Rutsiro in the Province of Kibuye.

COOPAC receives direction from four organiations:

1. The General Assembly, which is the most powerful.
2. The Council composed of seven administrators:
  • The President of the Administrative Council
  • The Vice Presdent
  • The Secretary
  • The Four Administrators
3. The Oversight Committee, comprising two members.
4. An Independent overseer, who works under the direction of the Administrative Council.
The Managing Director of COOPACorle Directeur Général de la COOPAC
The heads of the various functions
Headquarters Personel..
The Staff of the Washing Station.
Cooperative Pour La Promotion Des Activities-Cafe (COOPAC)
P.O. Box 186, Gisenyi, Rwanda
Telephone: +250 540 869 e-mail: contact@coopac.com