Rwandan horticultural exporters rejoice as refrigerated trucks secure freshness, boosting global market competitiveness

By Elias Hakizimana.

For Rwandan horticultural exporters like Marie Ange Claudine Ingabire, founder of Tropy Rwanda, maintaining the freshness of produce has been a constant challenge.

“Nearly half of our chili crop would spoil on the way to market,” she recalls. “It was not only a financial setback for us but also a blow to Rwanda’s image in international markets.” Ingabire recounts.

Ingabire’s story is one of many illustrating the struggles faced by Rwanda’s high-value horticultural exporters. Perishable goods like green beans, avocados, and chili peppers often arrived at international destinations wilted, damaging Rwanda’s export reputation and leading to financial losses.

Now, a new solution has arrived. On November 6, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), in collaboration with the USAID-funded Feed the Future-Kungahara Wagura Amasoko project, handed over nine refrigerated trucks to Rwandan exporters, marking a significant shift in Rwanda’s cold chain logistics.

In total, 14 trucks are set to be distributed, transforming the way perishable produce is transported and ensuring it reaches global markets fresh and in optimal condition.

A timely solution for exporters

For exporters like Ingabire, the impact is immediate. “Since I started using the truck a month ago, I’ve saved Rwf1 million in transportation costs, money I can now reinvest in my business,” she shared.

With strengthened cold chain logistics, Tropy Rwanda can now consistently deliver top-quality produce, meeting international standards and boosting profitability.

Similarly, Agasaro Organic Ltd has benefited from the refrigerated truck. Maurice Niyibizi, Business Operations Manager, explained,

“We work with 356 farmers across 220 hectares. Before, our pineapples and avocados often spoiled during transit. This truck will help maintain freshness, cut down costs, and preserve our hard-earned reputation.”

A solution to cold chain challenges

NAEB’s CEO, Claude Bizimana, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the horticultural sector.

“Perishable agricultural commodities need reliable cold chain logistics to preserve their quality. With these refrigerated trucks, we can finally ensure that produce reaches markets in its freshest state, benefiting both farmers and exporters,” Bizimana explained.

The trucks were obtained through a co-investment model, with 60% funded by USAID and 40% contributed by exporters. This public-private partnership exemplifies how collaboration can drive sustainable solutions in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

Driving growth and expanding markets

These trucks are not only about preserving quality but also about enhancing Rwanda’s competitiveness in global markets. By maintaining product quality throughout the supply chain, this initiative supports NAEB’s goals of reducing post-harvest losses, expanding market access, and increasing revenue for Rwandan exporters.

“Today’s handover is about empowering Rwandan farmers, youth, and communities,” said Keisha L. Effiom, USAID Mission Director for Rwanda and Burundi. “These trucks symbolize hope and opportunity for exporters to thrive globally, showcasing top-quality Rwandan produce while minimizing waste.”

Effiom urged exporters to involve Rwanda’s youth, describing them as “the key to future agricultural success.”

A vision for the future

With nine trucks already in operation and five more on the way, Rwanda’s horticultural exporters are optimistic. For entrepreneurs like Ingabire and Niyibizi, this investment marks a turning point. They can now meet global demand while setting higher standards, ensuring that Rwandan produce arrives fresh and competitive on the world stage.

 

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