One powerful Rwandan story of people, planet and possibility

Today, 22 young mountain gorillas are officially named at Kwita Izina, one of Rwanda’s most visible celebrations of conservation and sustainable tourism.

Among the distinguished guests accorded the rare honour of naming a mountain gorilla at this year’s Kwita Izina are Garreth Wood, Chair of The Wood Foundation Africa, his wife Nicola Wood, and their daughters, Ezra and Coren Wood. Together, they named the young gorilla Ngabonzima, meaning “the protector” in Kinyarwanda — a name that speaks powerfully to the spirit of conservation at the heart of Kwita Izina.Their selection for this prestigious role is a proud moment for TWFA and a recognition of the partnerships that contribute to Rwanda’s wider development story. 

Yet the greater story is Rwanda itself: a country demonstrating how conservation, sustainable tourism, economic opportunity and stronger communities can reinforce one another 

That same principle of people, livelihoods and the environment thriving together underpins TWFA’s long-term work with Rwanda’s tea sector. Since TWFA began operations in Rwanda in 2011, its partnership with the Government of Rwanda has used the tea value chain as a platform not only for agricultural growth, but also for improved livelihoods and greater economic opportunity in rural communities.

In Rwanda, TWFA works with more than 31,000 smallholder tea farmers, helping families build more predictable and sustainable futures through stronger tea incomes, improved access to health insurance and education, increased savings, participation in Ejo Heza, better housing, and greater capacity to invest in their families and communities. In 2025/26 alone, these farmers supplied approximately 54 million kg of green leaf, contributing around US$31 million in tea earnings to Rwanda’s economy.

Today is powerful reminder of the future Rwanda is building — one where conservation, tourism, communities and sustainable economic growth move forward together.