Rwanda is embarking on an ambitious plan to secure over $1.68 billion in investments to advance its agricultural and livestock sectors, focusing on avocados, chillies, and poultry. This strategic move was announced during the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum, which concluded on September 6 in Kigali.
The investment drive is a key element of the “Rwanda Legacy Program,” designed to create sustainable and profitable opportunities within the agricultural sector. The program aims to enhance food security, generate employment for youth and women, and build resilience in Rwanda’s agricultural practices. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the initiative seeks to make the country’s agriculture sector more robust and future-ready.
Minister of Agriculture Ildephonse Musafiri highlighted the sector’s vital role, noting that agriculture contributed 27% to Rwanda’s GDP in 2023. The program is expected to play a crucial role in improving food security and reducing household vulnerability.
The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Assistant Director-General for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, commended Rwanda’s successful translation of policy into practice. He pointed out that Rwanda’s consistent achievement of the Malabo Target Award for agricultural development over four years showcases its regional leadership and effectiveness.
The Legacy Program encompasses four main components: promoting agricultural growth with a focus on avocados, chillies, and potatoes; enhancing livestock development, particularly in poultry and beef; implementing innovative financial mechanisms such as risk-sharing facilities and SME financing; and ensuring effective governance and cross-sector coordination for smooth program execution. These measures are set to position Rwanda as a leader in agricultural innovation and food security across Africa.
Rwanda’s Avocado Export Strategy and Investment Needs
Rwanda’s avocado sector is poised for significant growth. In 2022, the country exported 2,230 tonnes of avocados, generating $4.7 million in revenue. Looking ahead, Rwanda aims to boost its avocado exports by 155% annually, targeting 31,164 tonnes by the 2028/29 period. Achieving this goal will require an investment of $143.5 million. This funding will support expanding the production area from 517 hectares to 4,933 hectares and enhancing processing capacity, with $32 million allocated to increase exports to meet rising global demand.
Rwanda’s $470 Million Chilli Investment Plan
Rwanda is also focusing on expanding its chilli sector, having exported 3,403 tonnes of chilli in 2023, which generated $4.2 million. The country plans to increase its chilli exports by 500% over the next six years, aiming for an annual volume of 38,762 tonnes. To support this growth, Rwanda intends to invest $470 million in production and processing infrastructure. The investment will facilitate an expansion of the production area from 533 hectares to 4,457 hectares. Rwanda has already established markets in China, Europe, and the Middle East and is preparing to start exporting to India.
