The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has launched the construction of five modern drying facilities designed to reduce post-harvest losses of chili and onions, strengthening Rwanda’s agricultural value chain.
NAEB said the facilities include one national-level plant at its headquarters in Kigali, alongside four others in the districts of Rubavu, Rulindo, Bugesera, and Nyagatare.
Each facility will have the capacity to dry up to 199 tonnes of onions and chili within 48 hours, significantly improving storage and preservation during and after harvest.
The agency noted that the new infrastructure is expected to substantially curb post-harvest losses across the country. Once operational, the five facilities are projected to reduce onion losses from 15.4 percent to 7.7 percent, while chili losses are expected to drop from 17.2 percent to 8.7 percent.
A study released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources in June 2025 revealed that up to 30 percent of agricultural produce is lost at farm level due to inadequate storage and preservation systems.
Meanwhile, a 2024/2025 report by the Office of the Ombudsman showed that several cold storage facilities across the country remain non-operational, despite their potential to prevent spoilage. At the time, NAEB was urged to explore ways to make these facilities functional and improve post-harvest management.
NAEB said the construction of the new drying facilities aligns with Rwanda’s broader strategy to enhance the quality and competitiveness of its agricultural exports while increasing farmers’ incomes and resilience.
