Rwanda’s agriculture exports grew 39% in 2021

Rwanda's agricultural export revenues witnessed a remarkable 39% surge in 2021, with earnings exceeding $543 million compared to the previous year's $390 million. Fabienne Bizaba, the Operations Manager at Proxifresh Rwanda, highlighted the significant growth during an interview with CNBC Africa. Bizaba attributed this substantial increase to the company's enhanced capacity and the rising demand fuelled by the global market. Bizaba emphasized the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exports in 2020 but noted that the following year saw a surge in capacity as logistical challenges were overcome. The demand for Rwandan products like French beans and spring onions remained high, propelling the country's agricultural exports. These horticultural products contributed more than 50% to Rwanda's traditional export portfolio. Proxifresh Rwanda is now focusing on diversifying its offerings beyond French beans, exploring opportunities in crops like spring onions, chilies, and snow peas. By venturing into new products, the company aims to tap into emerging market segments and broaden its export portfolio. Bizaba mentioned positive feedback received on these new products, indicating promising prospects for Rwanda's agricultural export sector. Despite facing challenges with high shipping costs and logistical constraints, Rwanda has received government support and subsidies to navigate these hurdles. The landlocked country's geographical location poses challenges for competitive pricing in shipping, but collaborative efforts with logistics partners have facilitated smoother operations. The government's assistance in providing favorable rates has been instrumental in mitigating these challenges. Bizaba emphasized the importance of maintaining high product quality to compete effectively in the international market. By ensuring stringent quality control measures from production to export, Rwandan exporters can enhance their competitiveness. Cold chain investments and infrastructure improvements have been identified as key strategies to elevate the quality standards of Rwandan agricultural products. In conclusion, Bizaba underscored the need for continuous efforts to maximize quality standards across the supply chain, emphasizing the significance of investing in cold chain infrastructure. By prioritizing quality and meeting international standards, Rwandan exporters can establish a strong foothold in competitive markets. Rwanda's agricultural sector has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges, with a steadfast commitment to enhancing quality and expanding product diversity to drive continued growth in the export market.