Rwanda’s agricultural exports increased by 44 per cent to over $640.9 million (over Rwf663 billion) in 2021-2022, from $444.8 million (over Rwf460 billion) in the previous financial year.
These figures were declared in the June Report by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
This report said Rwanda got over $196 million (or Rwf201 billion) from its agricultural exports.
However, this additional export revenue is more than Rwf160 billion which was allocated to funding agriculture sector projects in the current fiscal year.
Part of the report stated, “The increase in terms of revenues is attributed to the economic recovery measures and movement of goods and people in 2021-2022 compared to 2020-2021, where cross borders movements were restricted by the coronavirus pandemic preventive measures.
“Traditional export commodities – coffee, tea, and pyrethrum – increased by 18 per cent, while non-traditional export commodities (those that are relatively new for Rwanda, such as horticulture and cereals), increased by 58 percent.”
In comparison to the fiscal year 2020/2021, horticulture (vegetables, fruits, and flowers) accounted for 6.7 percent of total agro-export revenues as they generated $42.8 million. Vegetable and fruit export earnings rose by 63 percent and 87 percent respectively.
In his remarks, NAEB’s Chief Executive Officer, Claude Bizimana said, “The contribution of all stakeholders for this performance and anticipates further growth in the agricultural export business as the global economy continues to open up.
“We are pleased that, in addition to other opportunities, the agro-export sector contributes significantly to job retention and creation. We will build on this year’s strong performance by looking for new and innovative ways to keep Rwanda’s agribusiness environment adaptable and competitive while drawing in the interest of international markets.”