Rwanda launches state-of-the-art export quality lab to boost global market access for agri-products

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Rwanda has inaugurated a Specialized Export Quality Infrastructure (SEQI), a high-tech facility designed to enhance the country’s capacity to test, certify, and assure the quality of agricultural exports.

The lab, officially launched on Monday, June 16, 2025 by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) in partnership with the European Union, marks a major milestone in strengthening Rwanda’s global competitiveness in the agri-export market.

The SEQI facility, located at NAEB’s headquarters in Kigali, will provide vital testing services and quality certification for export-bound products—ensuring compliance with international standards and market requirements.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the lab currently tests over 200 parameters, including soil, water, food, feed, pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and microbiological contaminants.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, emphasized the lab’s role in supporting sustainable development, food safety, and economic growth.

“SEQI is expected to play a key role in assuring compliance of exported products with market-driven quality standards,” said Dr. Bagabe.

“Investing in such infrastructure promotes sustainable development by ensuring food safety, protecting the environment, and increasing market access.” Dr. Bagabe added.

With an investment of €3.4 million funded by the European Union through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), SEQI is aligned with Rwanda’s long-term strategy to diversify exports and increase foreign exchange earnings.

The facility will serve farmers, cooperatives, processors, and exporters across various value chains—particularly those targeting high-value international markets.

NAEB CEO Claude Bizimana described the SEQI as a turning point in Rwanda’s export journey.

“Today marks not just the opening of a state-of-the-art facility, but the launch of a new chapter in how Rwanda assures quality and earns trust in global markets,” Bizimana said.

The Deputy Director General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, Mr. Martin Seychell, and the EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Belen Calvo Uyarra, lauded the lab as a symbol of strong EU-Rwanda cooperation:

“This facility is more than equipment—it’s about people, precision, and partnerships,” said Mr. Seychell.

“The expertise built here will support Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional food distribution hub. We’re proud to be part of this success, and we look forward to seeing more high-quality Rwandan products in Europe, from coffee to avocados.”  He added.

The lab’s services go beyond testing: SEQI is also mandated to issue export quality certificates after thorough product assessments. This move is expected to reduce the risk of rejections and interceptions in destination markets—a common challenge for exporters from developing countries.

Dr. Bagabe noted that NAEB has already initiated the international accreditation process (ISO/IEC 17025) for SEQI, which will demonstrate its technical competence and adherence to global standards.

“The SEQI accreditation is expected to reduce barriers to trade, facilitate market access, and further enhance consumer confidence and the Rwanda brand,” he said.

In addition to improved infrastructure, the government also plans to invest in human capital to upgrade the skills of professionals managing and operating the lab.

As Rwanda works to scale up its agri-export ambitions, the new facility is expected to be a cornerstone for quality assurance and a critical asset for exporters navigating increasingly stringent global market standards.

 

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com