Rwanda earns RWF 104 billion from flower, vegetable, and fruit exports in 2023/2024

By The Inspirer.

The export of flowers, vegetables, and fruits from Rwanda increased by 29.1%, generating $75 million (approximately RWF 104 billion) in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

A new report released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) shows that in the previous year, these exports earned Rwanda $58.16 million.

The revenue from vegetable exports grew by 22% in 2023/2024, while fruit exports increased by 61%.

In total, vegetables brought in $42.3 million, representing 56% of total earnings and weighing about 62,000 tons. Fruits earned $30.6 million, accounting for 40.7% of earnings, with a total weight of 34,700 tons. Meanwhile, flowers generated $2.1 million, or 2.8% of total revenue, with over 412 tons exported.

The increase in production and revenue is attributed to several factors, including growing international demand.

The report states:  “This growth reflects improvements in processing and preservation, such as the use of irrigation technologies, high-quality fertilizers, and modern agricultural methods, all of which have enhanced the quality of produce suitable for export.”

In 2023/2024, efforts focused on key areas, including increasing vegetable and fruit production, improving pest and disease control, and building the capacity of farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

However, the flower export sector faced challenges, with revenue decreasing from $4.5 million to $2.1 million.

This decline is linked to the Russia-Ukraine war, which disrupted trade supply chains and affected the Netherlands’ flower market, a key destination for Rwandan flowers.

MINAGRI noted that revitalizing flower exports will require addressing market challenges while continuing to boost vegetable and fruit production and improving trade strategies.

Compared to last year’s targets, export revenue exceeded expectations of $51.5 million by 68%, demonstrating better-than-anticipated market performance.

The report also highlighted expanding markets and increasing prices as promising trends for the sector’s continued growth.

Market destinations for flowers, vegetables, and fruits

The report indicates that Rwanda is diversifying its export markets for flowers, vegetables, and fruits to regions including Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.

About 67% of exported vegetables are sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 13% to the United Kingdom, 4% to France, and the rest to other destinations.

Most fruits are exported to the DRC, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Vietnam.

As for flowers, Rwanda exports them primarily to the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and South Korea.