Rwanda has showcased progress in crop and livestock insurance, presenting the scheme as a key tool in reducing farmers’ vulnerability to climate shocks and strengthening agricultural resilience.
The achievements were outlined at a regional insurance forum organised by COMESA, currently underway in Kigali, bringing together regulators, policymakers, development partners, and private sector stakeholders from across member states.
The two-day meeting, held from May 4–5, 2026, is examining ways to expand insurance coverage in Africa, where uptake remains low, leaving many farmers and businesses exposed to losses caused by natural disasters.
Participants stressed that inclusive insurance systems are critical to building resilient economies, particularly by protecting farmers and livestock keepers from risks beyond their control. They also called for faster and more effective government interventions to support affected communities.
Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, said the region continues to grapple with climate-related risks while insurance penetration remains limited.
“Insurance coverage stands at about 3%, yet nearly 80% of losses are not insured,” she noted, citing rising economic losses linked to climate shocks in recent years.
As part of its response, Rwanda has rolled out the “Tekana urishingiwe muhinzi mworozi” scheme, designed to cushion farmers against risks such as drought, pests, and livestock diseases.
Introduced in 2019, the programme has helped reduce losses and provide compensation to farmers affected by disasters, improving confidence and stability in the agricultural sector.
Beneficiaries say the scheme offers a safety net, ensuring they can recover more quickly when crops fail or livestock is lost.
The government subsidises up to 40% of insurance premiums, making the programme more accessible to smallholder farmers and encouraging wider participation.
Officials say Rwanda’s approach is increasingly being recognised as a practical model for strengthening agricultural insurance systems and enhancing resilience across Africa.
Rwanda has introduced the “Tekana urishingiwe muhinzi mworozi” scheme to help farmers and livestock keepers avoid losses.
