Coffee with a View – and a Vision
DoolaBlend Enterprise Ltd. was founded in 2022 in Mbale City, Uganda, with a clear mission: to produce high-quality specialty coffee for both local and international markets.
Grown at altitudes of 1,800 to 2,000 meters on the slopes of Mount Elgon, the coffee is hand-picked in the districts of Bulambuli, Kapchorwa, and Bududa. Each bean tells a story of origin and craftsmanship—and behind it all is Gilbert Gwanyi, a coffee entrepreneur shaped by experience throughout the value chain.
After completing his IT education, Gilbert volunteered on a coffee farm, quickly rising to the position of Production Assistant, where he tripled output and gained national recognition in cupping competitions. Today, he leads DoolaBlend Enterprise Ltd. with that same commitment to quality, collaboration, and community.
DoolaBlend Enterprise Ltd. offers a full range of specialty coffee: green beans, roasted beans, and ground coffee, all made from carefully selected, fully ripe cherries. The company works directly with local farmers, introducing pulping machines and technical support to increase efficiency and improve quality.
With a targeted market strategy, DoolaBlend sends product samples to baristas and roasters in the UAE, Korea, and Denmark. Locally, it promotes quality coffee through takeaway kiosks and community-based initiatives aimed at increasing domestic consumption.
To meet growing demand, the company is seeking a Year 1 investment of USD 14,901. The funds will go toward:
• Construction of a greenhouse and drying beds
• Purchase of a pulper machine, fermentation tanks, and washing station
• Acquisition of a power saw and tree management tools
• Fertilizer and pesticide application equipment
• A motorcycle for field logistics and warehouse rental
• Staff salaries for the core operations team
The goal is to significantly scale up production while reducing farmers' processing costs. Through better agricultural practices and improved access to quality inputs, yields are expected to triple, with farmer income rising accordingly.
The company actively engages young people and women in its supply chain. Three youth are employed full-time, and seasonal workers are brought in as needed. Women are involved in post-harvest processing and sorting, and new livelihood streams are being developed, such as eco-fuel briquettes and bio-fertilizer from coffee waste.
Sustainability is embedded in every step. Coffee husks and parchment are repurposed as compost, and future plans include marketing cascara as a secondary product.
Led by founder Gilbert Gwanyi, the company team includes professionals with experience in development studies, business, IT, and quality management. Together, they oversee all aspects of production, sales, and training with a strong local presence in coffee-growing areas.
The vision is bold: to make DoolaBlend Enterprise Ltd. a driver of inclusive growth in Eastern Uganda—leveraging coffee as a tool for quality, employment, and export. With the right investment partner, the journey from mountain cherry to international cup is just beginning.
DoolaBlend Entreprise Ltd.
Uganda
Coffee
4
25%
- Greenhouse - For drying and climate control
- Drying Beds - 7 units for proper fermentation
- Motorcycle - Field transport and logistics
- Pulper Machine - Increased processing efficiency
- Fertilisering & Sprøjtning – Udstyr og input til udbytteforøgelse
- Warehouse & Staff - Salary and storage costs
- 3 young people employed + community-based casual labor
- Women involved in sorting and processing
- Bio-fertilizer and briquettes from coffee waste
- Plans to market cascara as a secondary product
- Gilbert Gwanyi – Founder & Produktionschef
- Haggai Edyelu – Business Growth & Development
- Joshua Chemonges – Field Coordinator
- Sarah Naula – Finance & Monitoring
