Rwanda earned more than $1.1 billion from agricultural and livestock exports in the 2025/26 financial year, marking the first time the sector has surpassed the $1 billion threshold, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) said.
Export earnings increased 24.3% from $893 million recorded in the 2024/25 financial year, according to NAEB.
The agency said the increase reflects efforts to raise agricultural production, improve the quality and value of locally produced goods and expand access to international markets.
NAEB said investments in facilities for processing and quality testing have helped improve the country’s agricultural exports, while stronger traceability systems have increased confidence in Rwandan products among international buyers.
The agency also cited compliance with international quality standards and expanded efforts to promote Rwandan agricultural and livestock products in overseas markets.
Improved transport infrastructure, innovation and greater use of technology across value chains also contributed to the growth, NAEB said.
Among the initiatives highlighted by the agency are annual competitions aimed at promoting Rwanda’s high-quality coffee and efforts to increase crop production, strengthen farmers’ skills and encourage better farming practices.
NAEB Director General Claude Bizimana described surpassing the $1 billion mark as a significant milestone for Rwanda’s agricultural export sector.
“Reaching more than $1 billion in export earnings is a significant milestone and demonstrates the efforts the country is putting into developing agricultural exports,” Bizimana said.
He said NAEB would continue working with farmers, processors, traders and other partners to increase production, add value to agricultural products and develop new international markets.
The agency said the work is also aligned with the government’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5).
NAEB said it would continue supporting farmers and other players across the agricultural value chain as Rwanda seeks to increase foreign exchange earnings from agricultural exports and strengthen its position in international markets.
