Rwanda spends over Frw8 billion on apple imports in five years

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda has spent more than Frw8 billion over the past five years importing apples, underscoring the country’s reliance on foreign markets to satisfy strong local demand for the popular fruit.

Despite being one of the most consumed fruits in Rwanda, apples are rarely grown locally. Pilot farming initiatives have been introduced, but production remains too limited to meaningfully reduce imports.

Apple cultivation requires cold climates, a challenge in Rwanda where temperatures are generally warm. Many local farmers who attempted apple farming struggled to succeed due to the lack of ideal conditions.

Data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) show that apples are among the fruits for which Rwanda spends significant foreign exchange. Over the past five years, Rwanda imported roughly 5,000 tonnes of apples valued at $6.1 million (over Frw8 billion).

• In 2020, Rwanda imported 863 tonnes, costing over $756,000.
• In 2021, imports rose to 929 tonnes, valued at $914,000.
• In 2022, 1,085 tonnes were imported at $1.278 million.
• In 2023, 1,310 tonnes were brought in for $1.377 million.
• By 2024, imports reached 1,612 tonnes, costing $1.782 million — the highest in the five-year span.

Nutrition experts highlight that apples provide significant health benefits. Rich in dietary fibre, they help reduce body fat and support digestive health. They are also a good source of Vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and protects against heart disease, among other benefits.

The continued rise in apple imports highlights both strong domestic demand and the challenges of local production, pointing to the need for climate-adaptive agricultural solutions to reduce Rwanda’s reliance on imported fruit.