Rwandan tea companies support women and sustainability
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Sorwathe Ltd and Silverback Tea, Rwandan tea companies, are working to improve the lives of women in rural communities through childcare, nutrition programs, and agricultural training.
Sorwathe, founded in 1975, and Silverback Tea operate early childhood development centers caring for nearly 3,000 children of plantation and factory workers. These centers, along with preschool support, allow mothers to work knowing their children are safe and cared for.
The companies also address nutrition by providing fortified porridge and eggs to children, with AFESO, a women’s association composed of Sorwathe workers, supplying the eggs and earning income. AFESO also operates a restaurant, makes sanitary products, and offers support services like family planning and gender-based violence resources. Sorwathe received certification for gender equality in October 2025 and is undergoing audits to confirm continued compliance.
Beyond supporting workers, both companies provide training to over 9,000 smallholder tea farmers in sustainable farming practices. They also invest in environmental initiatives like tree planting, compost production, and organic farming, contributing to the health of the land and communities that depend on it. Sorwathe won a Tea Sustainability Award in September 2026 for its worker-led social development and ecosystem restoration.
