Rwanda’s agricultural exports hit record $1.1 billion

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda’s agricultural exports generated a record $1.1 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, marking a 24.3% increase from the $893 million recorded in the previous financial year, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).

NAEB announced the milestone on August 12, 2026, describing it as the highest annual export revenue ever recorded by Rwanda’s agricultural export sector.

The growth comes as Rwanda continues to expand agricultural exports, improve product quality and strengthen access to international markets.

NAEB attributed the increase to several measures aimed at improving the competitiveness of Rwanda’s agricultural products, including investment in specialised export-quality infrastructure, stronger traceability systems and compliance with international quality standards.

The agency also highlighted expanded market promotion, product diversification and improvements in logistics as factors contributing to the rise in export earnings.

Other measures include strengthening links between local producers and international buyers, promoting innovation and technology in the export sector, increasing productivity and empowering farmers through training and awareness.

Among the initiatives cited by NAEB is the annual Best of Rwanda National Specialty Coffee Competition, which is intended to promote Rwanda’s coffee quality and visibility in international markets.

NAEB Chief Executive Officer Claude Bizimana described surpassing the $1 billion mark as a major milestone for Rwanda’s agricultural export sector.

“Surpassing the US$1 billion mark is a significant achievement for Rwanda’s agricultural export sector and reflects the country’s commitment to transforming the sector and strengthening its position in global markets,” Bizimana said.

He said NAEB will continue working with stakeholders to increase export earnings, diversify products and markets, promote value addition and strengthen the resilience of the agricultural export sector.

The latest performance comes as Rwanda implements the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5), which both place emphasis on increasing agricultural productivity, value addition and export earnings.

The $1.1 billion in agricultural export revenue represents a significant increase from $893 million in 2024/2025, and $839.21 million recorded in 2023/2024.

NAEB said the achievement reflects growing competitiveness of Rwanda’s agricultural products on international markets and continued efforts to connect farmers and exporters with global buyers.