Rwanda is set to take part in the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) for the second time, with this year’s edition scheduled from March 30 to April 1 at ExCeL London. The country’s renewed participation highlights its growing ambition to establish itself as a credible and competitive player in the global agri-food market.
A delegation of representatives from Rwandan companies is expected to travel to London for the event, showcasing a range of locally produced goods and engaging directly with international partners.
Rwanda’s participation will be coordinated by the Embassy of Rwanda in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
Considered one of the leading B2B events in the sector, IFE brings together thousands of professionals from the food, beverage, and hospitality industries each year. For Rwanda, this platform represents far more than just visibility, it serves as a strategic lever to boost exports, build new partnerships, and showcase the quality of its products on the international stage.
Building on a first successful participation, the country returns with a clearer vision. The objective is to capitalize on previous experience, increase its visibility, and sustainably position its products, particularly coffee and tea, among international buyers and distributors.
In the lead-up to the exhibition, Rwandan women entrepreneurs will also take part in the SheTrades Rwanda – UK Study Visit, scheduled from March 25 to 28, 2026. Organized under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), this initiative will bring together 16 women-led businesses from the agrifood and coffee sectors.
During the study visit, participants will engage in market visits across London and Birmingham, meet UK-based buyers, and gain first-hand insights into market entry requirements, consumer trends, and business practices. The programme aims to strengthen their export readiness and expand their international networks ahead of IFE 2026.
At the heart of Rwanda’s broader strategy is a strong commitment to promoting a national know-how that is continuously evolving, supported by initiatives aimed at improving product quality, traceability, and local value addition. This approach aligns with broader efforts to move up the value chain and diversify export markets.
By participating in IFE 2026, and through complementary initiatives such as the SheTrades study visit, Rwanda is embracing a proactive approach, leveraging major international platforms to accelerate its integration into global value chains. Beyond mere presence, this participation highlights the country’s increasingly assertive positioning within the global agri-food landscape.
Rwanda pavilion at the previous edition of IFE in London (Illustration photos)
karirima@igihe.com
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