KIGALI
Rwanda’s agricultural export revenue surpassed $1 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year, reaching a record for the sector, the National Agricultural Export Development Board said Wednesday.
Agricultural exports generated $1.1 billion during the fiscal year, compared with $893 million in 2024-25, NAEB said in a statement. The agency described the result as a historic milestone and said revenue increased 24.3%.
The growth comes as Rwanda seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of its agricultural exports through improved quality standards, greater access to international markets and increased value addition.
NAEB attributed the performance to strengthened specialized export-quality infrastructure, enhanced traceability systems, and compliance with international standards. It also cited expanded market promotion and diversification, logistics development and stronger links with international buyers.
Other factors included increased agricultural productivity, farmer empowerment, and efforts to encourage innovation and technology in the export sector, such as the annual Best of Rwanda National Specialty Coffee Competition.
“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,” NAEB Chief Executive Officer Claude Bizimana said in the statement.
Bizimana said the agency would continue working with stakeholders to increase export earnings, diversify products and markets, enhance value addition and strengthen resilience as Rwanda pursues its Second National Strategy for Transformation and fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation.
Recent exports and destinations
Separate NAEB data for Aug. 3-7 showed Rwanda generated $9.99 million from exports of 8,863 metric tons of agricultural products during the five-day period.
Coffee generated about $2.58 million from 440 metric tons, while tea exports brought in about $1.8 million from 615 metric tons. NAEB did not specify destination markets for coffee or tea in the weekly data.
Vegetable exports generated $832,949 from 852 metric tons and went mainly to Great Britain, the Netherlands, India, France and African countries.
Fruit exports generated $317,263 from 322 metric tons, with the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and African countries listed as the main destinations.
Flower exports brought in $40,368 from 7 metric tons, with the main destinations being the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Animal products generated $510,183 from 315 metric tons and were exported mainly to Singapore, the United States, France, Bangladesh and African countries.
Diversified agricultural products were the largest category by both volume and revenue during the period, generating about $3.91 million from 6,312 metric tons.
NAEB listed African countries as their main destinations.
