Rwanda has urged farmers and livestock keepers to adopt technology, innovation and stronger partnerships to accelerate transformation in the agriculture sector.
Agriculture and Animal Resources Minister Telesphore Ndabamenye made the call on Thursday while opening the 19th Rwanda Agricultural Show in Kigali, which runs from July 22 to 31 under the theme “Accelerating agricultural transformation through innovation and partnerships.”
Ndabamenye said innovation can only deliver meaningful results if farmers have access to new solutions and the capacity to use them, highlighting the need for closer cooperation among innovators, financial institutions, investors and agricultural service providers.
“Gaining from innovation requires partnerships between those who create new solutions, financial institutions and service providers supporting farmers and livestock keepers,” he said.
He said collaboration and innovation are increasingly important as agriculture faces challenges linked to climate change, rising costs of agricultural inputs, crop and livestock diseases, and other factors affecting productivity.
The minister encouraged farmers attending the exhibition to apply the knowledge and technologies showcased ahead of the next farming season, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting research, technology adoption and innovation in agriculture.
He described the exhibition as a platform for showcasing new technologies, sharing knowledge and developing solutions to challenges affecting the sector, while also creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
Dr Patrick Karangwa, coordinator of the Rwanda Agricultural Show, said the event continues to attract more participants each year, with more than 600 exhibitors taking part in the 2026 edition. This compares with between 300 and 400 participants five years ago and 500 exhibitors in 2025.
The exhibition will conclude on July 31, when outstanding exhibitors and innovators will receive awards.
Agriculture remains a key sector in Rwanda’s economy, contributing about 19 percent of GDP and providing raw materials for around 70 percent of the country’s industries.
