Rwanda agricultural exports are getting faster. On January 21, 2026, a cargo plane left Kigali with 17 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables. It flew straight to Brazzaville—no stopovers.
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) runs this program. It offers packhouses, cold storage, packaging, and transport to the airport. This cuts spoilage and simplifies shipping.
NAEB CEO Claude Bizimana said teamwork made it possible. “We worked closely with our embassy in Congo,” he said. Direct flights avoid delays. They also reduce losses and bring in more foreign exchange.
This effort supports Rwanda’s national development plan. It also aligns with Vision 2050 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The goal is to grow trade within Africa—while keeping global markets active.
Rwanda already sells produce to the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. But now, regional markets are a priority. Faster delivery means fresher goods.
The idea came after Bizimana visited Congo in December 2025. At the time, cargo space was limited. Deliveries took too long. Now, a 2025 agreement with Rwanda’s embassy in Brazzaville has helped fix this.
Rwanda has invested in air transport and cold storage. These facilities keep produce fresh before shipment. Shared infrastructure also helps small exporters who lack private logistics.
Results are already clear. From January 12 to 16, 2026, Rwanda exported 9,185 tons of farm and livestock products. That earned over $15 million.
Even better: horticulture export revenue rose from $28.7 million in 2020 to more than $86 million in 2025.
Clearly, Rwanda agricultural exports are not just growing—they’re becoming more efficient. By flying fresh produce directly to African cities, Rwanda is turning speed and quality into real advantages.
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