Rwanda’s transformation in agricultural exports took center stage in Central Africa as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), Claude Bizimana, represented the country at the 30th edition of the Vendredis de Carrefour forum held in Brazzaville from December 4 to 5, 2025. Rwanda attended the high-level gathering as the Guest of Honour, underscoring its growing reputation as a model of economic reform, export diversification, and regional integration.
The prestigious forum brought together more than 700 participants, including senior policymakers, economists, industrial leaders, development experts, and representatives of regional institutions from across Central Africa. Discussions focused on economic transformation, industrialization, cross-border trade, and the future of African cooperation in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Rwanda Recognized for Homegrown Development Solutions
In his keynote address, Bizimana expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Congo for hosting the event and for extending a warm welcome to the Rwandan delegation. He also thanked Think-Tank Carrefour, the forum’s organizer, for selecting Rwanda as the Guest of Honour, a recognition he described as a testament to the country’s development trajectory and policy consistency.
Bizimana highlighted that Rwanda’s progress is rooted in homegrown solutions built on national unity, good governance, self-reliance, food security, and strategic industrial development. These principles, he explained, are central to Rwanda’s long-term vision and have guided reforms across multiple sectors, particularly agriculture and exports.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s development path is not accidental but the result of deliberate leadership choices, strong institutions, and citizen-centered policies designed to turn challenges into opportunities.
Agricultural Exports Drive Economic Transformation
A major focus of Bizimana’s address was Rwanda’s agricultural export performance, which he described as one of the country’s most significant economic success stories of the past decade. Since the launch of the Made in Rwanda policy in 2017, the agricultural sector has experienced accelerated growth driven by value addition, export readiness, and private sector investment.
According to Bizimana, the establishment of modern agro-processing facilities has transformed raw agricultural production into high-value export products. This shift has not only increased foreign exchange earnings but also created thousands of jobs along the value chain, particularly for youth and women in rural areas.
Rwanda’s tea and coffee sectors were cited as flagship examples of this transformation. The country’s tea exports have expanded steadily, supported by improved farming practices, quality assurance systems, and expanded processing capacity. Similarly, Rwanda’s specialty coffee has gained international acclaim for its distinctive flavor profiles, consistency, and traceability, earning premium prices on global markets.
Strategic Government Support Strengthens Value Chains
Bizimana attributed these achievements to coordinated government interventions aimed at strengthening the entire agricultural ecosystem. These include farmer training programs, access to finance, infrastructure development, quality certification systems, and market linkages facilitated through NAEB.
He noted that Rwanda’s export strategy prioritizes competitiveness, sustainability, and compliance with international standards, ensuring that local producers can access high-value markets while maintaining environmental and social responsibility.
The Made in Rwanda strategy, Bizimana explained, has also played a critical role in reducing dependency on imports while promoting domestic production and industrial growth. By encouraging local processing and branding, the strategy has helped Rwandan products gain visibility and credibility on regional and global shelves.
AfCFTA Accelerates Rwanda’s Regional Trade Integration
The NAEB CEO also underscored the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a catalyst for Rwanda’s export expansion. Rwanda was among the first African countries to ratify and operationalize AfCFTA, a move Bizimana described as both strategic and forward-looking.
He revealed that Rwanda’s exports to African markets doubled following the country’s full engagement with AfCFTA frameworks. Reduced tariffs, simplified customs procedures, and improved mobility of traders have significantly lowered trade barriers, enabling Rwandan exporters to access new markets across the continent.
Bizimana emphasized that AfCFTA has strengthened Rwanda’s participation in regional value chains while reinforcing the principle that Africa’s economic future lies in deeper intra-African trade and cooperation.
Rwanda’s Tea and Coffee Impress Forum Participants
Beyond policy discussions, Rwanda’s participation in the forum included the exhibition of its finest agricultural products. In partnership with the Rwandan Embassy in Brazzaville, NAEB organized tea and coffee tasting sessions that allowed participants to experience firsthand the quality and uniqueness of Rwanda’s exports.
Attendees praised the rich aroma, smooth texture, and complex flavors of Rwanda’s specialty coffee, as well as the refined taste and consistency of its premium tea. The showcase reinforced Rwanda’s reputation as a leading producer of high-quality agricultural products and opened opportunities for new trade partnerships.
Vendredis de Carrefour: A Platform for African Economic Dialogue
The Vendredis de Carrefour forum is an annual initiative organized by Think-Tank Carrefour, designed to foster dialogue on economic development in the Republic of Congo and the wider African region. The platform brings together experts and decision-makers to assess development policies, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies for inclusive growth.
The forum’s emphasis on industrial development, citizen empowerment, and regional cooperation aligns closely with Rwanda’s own development philosophy, making the country’s participation particularly relevant.
Rwanda Positioned as a Regional Model
By sharing Rwanda’s experience in agricultural transformation and export development, Bizimana positioned the country as a reference point for African nations seeking sustainable growth. His presentation highlighted how visionary leadership, institutional discipline, and strategic investment can turn agriculture into a powerful engine of economic progress.
Rwanda’s story, he concluded, demonstrates that African countries can build resilient economies by leveraging local resources, strengthening value addition, and embracing regional integration.
As Rwanda continues to expand its export footprint and deepen continental trade ties, its experience offers valuable lessons for countries striving to compete in global markets while uplifting their citizens.
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