Invade Agro Group diversifies into Rwandan market

INWED Agro Group, a major player in the agriculture, farming, and food processing industries, is making significant strides as it expands into the Rwandan market. With an annual revenue of approximately $400 million, the group is now eyeing premium exports in Rwanda, with plans to list on the Indian National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange in September 2025, aiming for an impressive $8 billion market capitalization. CNBC Africa's Tabitha Muthoni recently sat down with Executive Director Kamlesh Chotalia to delve deeper into the group's strategies and future plans. Speaking about Rwanda's potential as a business hub, Chotalia highlighted the country's favorable business environment and robust infrastructure, including roads, communications, and an upcoming international airport. He commended the government for providing political stability and ensuring ease of doing business, making Rwanda a standout destination within the East African community. In terms of partnerships and collaborations in Rwanda, INWED Agro is focusing on four main verticals within the agriculture sector: farming and plantations, agro inputs, commodity trading, and food processing. The group is already active in three verticals, generating revenue upwards of $400 million annually. In Rwanda, the emphasis will be on cultivating premium, niche produce for export, fostering organic farming practices, and trading in products like green coffee beans, green tea, and Irish potatoes for international markets. The impending listing of INWED Agro on the NSE and BSE in India is expected to supercharge the group's investment in East Africa, particularly in Rwanda. With a projected market capitalization of $8 billion, the listing will act as a growth catalyst for the Indian subcontinent and East African markets, sparking mergers and acquisitions in the agriculture sector. With Kigali slated to become the global headquarters and a planned investment of $400 million over the next few years, INWED Agro aims to bridge the East African and Indian subcontinent markets, leveraging strong bilateral trade relationships to drive expansion and quality enhancement in the local agriculture sector. In conclusion, INWED Agro's ambitious plans in Rwanda signify a major boost for the country's agricultural transformation and export capabilities. The group's focus on premium exports, organic farming, and strategic partnerships bodes well for Rwanda's economic growth and global competitiveness in the agriculture space.