Intango washing station

The story

Intango washing station was established in 2017 by Gilbert Gatali and his business partner Gervais after the site, formerly part of a cooperative that won the 2014 Rwanda Cup of Excellence, had fallen into disrepair. The name Intango means 'beginning' or 'communal sharing space' in Kinyarwanda, reflecting its role as a central hub for hundreds of local smallholder farmers. Gatali, who has over 13 years of industry experience, operates the station to provide direct impact and support to the surrounding coffee-growing community.

Challenges

The station operates in a region where coffee growers typically manage very small plots, requiring the station to coordinate deliveries from hundreds of independent farmers. Additionally, Rwandan coffee production faces the persistent technical challenge of the potato taste defect, which requires meticulous sorting and management.

Innovations

Intango distinguishes itself by experimenting with honey and natural processing methods, which are uncommon in the broader Rwandan coffee industry. The station also utilizes a digital data collection system to provide farmers with a second payment, effectively bridging the cooperative and private mill models.