Rwanda’s agricultural and livestock exports have crossed the $1 billion mark for the first time, reaching more than $1.1 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year.
The milestone, announced by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), represents a 24.3% increase from the $893 million recorded in 2024/2025.
Agricultural export earnings have risen steadily in recent years, from $839.21 million in 2023/2024 to $893 million in 2024/2025, before reaching the latest record.
NAEB attributed the growth to improvements in export infrastructure, product traceability, compliance with international quality standards, market expansion and stronger engagement with international buyers.
Coffee, tea and pyrethrum remain key earners
During the 2025/2026 financial year, coffee, tea and pyrethrum generated $264.88 million in export revenue.
Flowers, fruits and vegetables contributed $86.83 million, while livestock products generated $204.79 million.
Other agricultural and livestock products accounted for $554.28 million, making them the largest contributor to the overall export earnings.
Rwandan agricultural products are sold in markets including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, China, the United States, Europe and several African countries.
Rwanda targets $1.5 billion by 2029
NAEB Chief Executive Officer Claude Bizimana described crossing the $1 billion threshold as a major milestone for Rwanda’s agricultural export sector.
“Surpassing the $1 billion mark is a significant achievement for Rwanda’s agricultural export sector,” Bizimana said, adding that NAEB would continue working with stakeholders to increase export earnings, diversify products and markets and promote value addition.
The latest performance puts Rwanda closer to its agricultural export target under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5).
The country aims to raise annual agricultural export earnings to more than $1.5 billion by 2028/2029.
Infrastructure and quality drive export growth
NAEB has invested in infrastructure supporting quality testing, certification, post-harvest handling, storage, sorting and preparation of agricultural products for international markets.
The agency is also strengthening traceability systems to help link exported products to their sources and demonstrate compliance with international requirements.
For horticultural products, packhouses and other post-harvest facilities are being developed to reduce losses and preserve quality between farms and export markets.
NAEB is also promoting innovation and technology, improving farmers’ skills and helping producers meet the quality requirements of international buyers.
The record export performance highlights the growing role of agriculture in generating foreign exchange, expanding markets for farmers and strengthening Rwanda’s position in international agricultural trade.
