Rwanda’s relations with China continue to expand across various sectors, including trade, investment and tourism, with the value of Rwandan exports to China rising and the number of Chinese visitors to Rwanda also increasing.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Juliana Kangeli Muganza, described China as a key development partner, noting that cooperation between the two countries continues to deliver positive results, particularly in trade and investment.
Speaking to CGTN, Muganza said Rwanda exported goods worth $116 million to China last year, representing an 89% increase compared with the previous year.
She noted that total trade between the two countries has reached $1.4 billion, emphasising that Rwanda should not view China merely as a source of imported goods but also as an expanding market for its products.
“Of course, we import a lot of goods from China, but what is particularly encouraging is that our exports to the country are also continuing to grow,” she said.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) showed that China became Rwanda’s largest export destination in the second quarter of 2026, accounting for 25.93% of the total value of the country’s exports.
During the same quarter, trade between Rwanda and China reached $558.27 million, equivalent to more than RWF 825 billion.
NISR figures further show that Rwanda’s exports to China totalled $236.99 million in the first six months of 2026, exceeding the total value of exports recorded throughout 2025.
Muganza said the China International Import Expo (CIIE) is among the platforms helping Rwandan traders and exporters access the Chinese market.
She explained that Rwanda uses the international exhibition to showcase a range of products, including chilli, macadamia nuts, coffee and tea, with the aim of promoting local produce and securing new markets.
Beyond trade, she said Rwanda continues to cooperate with China on various development projects and is attracting Chinese investors into sectors such as agro-processing, light manufacturing, construction and the production of building materials.
On tourism, Muganza said Rwanda is welcoming an increasing number of Chinese visitors, with their numbers quadrupling over the past five years.
She explained that Rwanda received approximately 3,000 Chinese tourists in 2021, compared with 14,000 last year.
Although she acknowledged that the figure remains below Rwanda’s ambitions, she said the continued growth indicates that the country is gaining recognition in the Chinese tourism market.
Muganza highlighted Rwanda’s diverse tourism attractions, which could appeal to Chinese visitors, including Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas; Akagera National Park, known for its Big Five wildlife; and Nyungwe National Park, famous for its forests, waterfalls, birdlife and canopy walkway.
She added that Kigali also offers modern infrastructure and facilities capable of hosting international conferences and business events, while giving visitors opportunities to experience Rwandan culture and enjoy a variety of local dishes.
She said Rwanda wants more Chinese visitors to explore the country and discover its attractions, noting that tourism is becoming another important pillar of the relationship between the two nations.
Muganza reaffirmed that RDB will continue supporting the private sector, facilitating investment and promoting Rwanda as an attractive destination for both investors and tourists.
Rwanda-China cooperation continues to broaden beyond trade and tourism, with both countries also strengthening investment ties and pursuing various projects aimed at supporting their economic development.
