By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
Rwanda’s agricultural sector recorded its strongest export performance ever in the 2025–2026 financial year, earning US$1.1 billion, equivalent to about Rwf1.6 trillion, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
The earnings, recorded in the financial year that ended in June, represent a 24.3% rise from the US$893 million generated in the previous financial year.
NAEB said the increase was supported by improvements in export infrastructure, product traceability and compliance with international quality standards.
The agency also pointed to efforts to access new markets and promote Rwandan agricultural products abroad, alongside improvements in logistics and stronger ties with international buyers.
Higher productivity and innovation among farmers were also identified as factors behind the record performance.
Among the initiatives highlighted by NAEB is the annual Best of Rwanda National Specialty Coffee Competition, which encourages higher-quality production and the adoption of new technologies within the export sector.
NAEB Chief Executive Officer Claude Bizimana said crossing the US$1 billion threshold represents a major achievement for Rwanda’s agricultural exports.
“Surpassing the US$1 billion mark is a significant achievement for Rwanda’s agricultural export sector,” Bizimana said, adding that NAEB would continue working with stakeholders to grow export earnings, diversify products and markets, and increase value addition across the agricultural supply chain.
The Rwf1.6 trillion earned from agricultural exports is equivalent to nearly a quarter of Rwanda’s annual national budget, highlighting the growing financial importance of agricultural exports to the country.
The record comes as Rwanda continues implementing the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the 5th Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5).
Both programmes emphasise increasing agricultural exports, boosting productivity and building greater resilience in the agricultural sector.
NAEB said it will continue working to sustain the growth and further strengthen Rwanda’s position in international agricultural markets.
