Origins (2016–2019)

Kweza was started through a Kickstarter campaign in 2016 by Fina Uwineza, a Rwandan entrepreneur, and Steve Beauchesne, Founder of Beau's Brewery, with the vision to create a women-owned and women-led craft brewery. In 2018, Kweza was reinvigorated with the addition of Jessi Flynn as Co-founder, Brewer, and Managing Director/ CEO.

These early years focused on facility development, recipe testing, staff training, and regulatory compliance.

Beer has been brewed on this continent for thousands of years using sorghum and millet. Kweza set out to modernize these traditions while keeping their roots intact.

Kweza means “harvest” and “purity” in Kinyarwanda. We believe this name fits with Kweza’s mission to celebrate Rwanda’s flora and ingredients through Kweza beer.

Piloting, Licensing & Growth (2019–2023)

Kweza was incorporated in Rwanda in January 2020, focused on pilot scale recipe development through COVID.

In 2021, we began licensed production and sales.

Our beers entered restaurants, hotels, and events nationwide.

We invested in a larger 1000L brewery systems, distribution, and staff development.

Expansion (2024–2025)

We launched canned products, expanded retail presence, and prepared for scaling and export opportunities.

By 2025, Kweza was experiencing strong month-over-month growth and onboarding new distribution partners.

Award Winning Brewery (2025)

We were awarded a Bronze Medal in the African Beer Cup Awards for Specialty African Beer!

This was a huge win for a sorghum based beer in a multi-national beer competition!

Disruption (2025)

In 2025, our landlord unlawfully seized our brewery assets, triggering court proceedings and regulatory delays.

Although the Courts found for Kweza, we still needed to relocate our brewing equipment and get back into production.

Recovery (2025–Present)

Since the disruption, Kweza has focused on:

• Legal resolution

• Facility relocation

• Capital rebuilding

Looking Forward

Kweza remains committed to rebuilding a strong, independent, African, women led brewery.

We have a strong brand, story, and products. We can’t wait to get them back to you!

Our Brewery’s New Home - With YOUR help