Paris: NAEB eyes expanded European markets for Rwandan agricultural exports

The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has announced ongoing efforts to expand international markets for Rwanda’s agricultural products.

The announcement comes as Rwanda participates for the fifth time in the Paris International Agricultural Show (SIA), an international agriculture and livestock exhibition held annually in France. The event takes place at Paris Expo–Porte de Versailles from late February to early March each year.

In an interview with IGIHE, Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager at NAEB, said Rwanda continues to broaden market access while strengthening the global visibility of its agricultural products.

She noted that although this marks Rwanda’s fifth participation, the exhibition itself has been held for more than six decades.

“We came with around 15 exporters showcasing tea, coffee, honey, and other agricultural goods. Our participation is aimed at expanding markets for Rwanda’s agricultural and livestock products,” she said.

Basiima added that the delegation is not only exhibiting but also engaging potential buyers who import products from Africa to explore new trade partnerships. She emphasized that, beyond the more than 100 countries represented at the exhibition, France itself remains a significant market for Rwanda.

She further highlighted that France ranks fourth among destinations for Rwanda’s agricultural exports.
According to Basiima, the presence of RwandAir flights to Paris three times a week provides a strategic advantage, making it easier to transport Rwandan products to newly secured markets.

This year’s exhibition opened on February 21, 2026, and was officially launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, as is customary each year.

Rwanda is exhibiting at Pavillion Seven, where it is showcasing progress in developing export-ready agricultural and livestock products. The country is represented by NAEB and the Embassy of Rwanda in France.

The exhibition provides a valuable platform for farmers, entrepreneurs, traders, and investors to exchange expertise, foster partnerships, and promote innovation in agriculture and livestock development.