Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies has passed a new law regulating the livestock and fisheries sectors, marking a major step toward modernizing the industries, strengthening food security and boosting the country’s agricultural economy.
The legislation was approved during a plenary sitting on July 28 after lawmakers debated and adopted its 68 articles.
During the debate, MPs underscored the need to strengthen veterinary services, warning that inadequate access to animal healthcare continues to contribute to livestock losses. They also called for the training of more para-veterinary professionals to provide basic animal health services, particularly in remote areas where qualified veterinarians are scarce.
Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr. Thelesphore Ndabamenye said the law establishes a stronger legal framework for private sector investment while improving accountability and coordination in the management of livestock and fisheries.
“The law provides private investors with a clear framework to guide investment in livestock and fisheries while strengthening collaboration with institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture and RAB to improve animal health services and reduce losses in the sector,” he said.
The legislation replaces four laws that have been in force for the past 16 years and were deemed outdated, with provisions that no longer adequately addressed challenges facing the livestock and fisheries sectors or reflected international animal health standards.
The new law is expected to promote more professional livestock and fisheries management, strengthen oversight of both land- and water-based animal production systems, and enhance quality control of animal products produced outside industrial processing facilities.
It also aims to improve Rwanda’s competitiveness in international markets by aligning the sector with global standards for animal health and product quality.
Livestock exports remain a growing contributor to Rwanda’s economy. According to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the country recently earned $2.74 million from the export of livestock products over a five-day period, with 5,843 tonnes shipped to international markets.
