The event brought members of the Rwandan community together for fellowship and reflection on patriotism and the values that underpin Rwandan society.
It also featured sports and recreational activities, including a football tournament, basketball competitions and the traditional Rwandan game of Agati.
Teams that performed well in the various competitions received awards at the end of the activities.
Patriotism Day is officially commemorated every year on October 1.
Addressing the participants, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, called on young Rwandans to uphold national values and play an active role in shaping the country’s future.
He explained that the October 1 commemoration provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by those who placed the interests of the country above their personal interests.
The Ambassador highlighted October 1, 1990, when the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), through its armed wing, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), launched its struggle for the liberation of Rwanda.
He recalled that many young people at the time chose to leave behind their personal activities and comfort to join a struggle in which they knew they faced serious risks, including the possibility of losing their lives.
He urged young people today to draw lessons from the commitment and sacrifice demonstrated by members of the RPA and, more broadly, the RPF, from the beginning of the struggle in 1990 through the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
Youth urged to safeguard Rwanda’s achievements
Ambassador Kayonga also highlighted some of the challenges that young people may face.
He particularly warned against the continued spread of genocide ideology and attempts to mislead young people through technology and social media.
He also identified drug use and excessive alcohol consumption as behaviours that can undermine young people’s future and weaken their ability to fulfill their responsibilities to their country.
Against these challenges, he called on young Rwandans living in Türkiye to remain committed to national values and to play their part in protecting the achievements Rwanda has made.
He encouraged them to build on these achievements and contribute to taking Rwanda towards an even better future.
A responsibility shared by all Rwandans
The Ambassador stressed that patriotism should not be viewed as the responsibility of a particular group or category of citizens.
Rather, it is a shared responsibility that concerns every Rwandan, wherever they may be.
He therefore encouraged young people to understand, preserve and put Rwanda’s core values into practice in their daily lives, while also passing them on to future generations.
Rwandans living in Türkiye have gathered in Ankara to celebrate Patriotism Day through sports, fellowship and reflection on national values. Young Rwandans in Türkiye have been encouraged to protect Rwanda’s achievements and remain committed to the values that underpin the country’s progress. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, has urged young Rwandans to uphold national values and contribute to the country’s future. Participants in Ankara have received awards after competing in football, basketball and other games as part of Patriotism Day celebrations. Rwandan students and other community members in Ankara have marked Patriotism Day with sports and recreational activities. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, has urged young Rwandans to uphold national values and contribute to the country’s future.
The initiative is intended to reduce the amount of electricity the stations draw from the national grid while promoting the use of renewable energy.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, KABISA Managing Director Poshia Muhoza said the pilot is being conducted at the company’s charging stations as well as its offices.
“We are implementing this programme at our stations. Even here at our offices, we try our best to embrace solar energy,” she said.
KABISA currently operates eight electric vehicle charging stations in Kigali. The company plans to establish more stations in secondary cities, including Musanze, Rubavu, Huye and Rusizi.
The pilot comes as electric mobility continues to gain ground in Rwanda, alongside efforts to expand charging infrastructure for electric vehicle users.
Muhoza said government policies continue to facilitate investment in the sector, particularly by making it easier for investors to obtain permits and the equipment required to establish charging stations.
“National policy continues to support the use of electric vehicles. The government is currently making it easier for investors building charging stations to obtain permits quickly and access the transformers they need,” she said.
She added that tax exemptions on imported electric vehicles and a government plan to have electric vehicles account for 30% of vehicles used by public institutions are also encouraging investment in the sector.
Muhoza said discussions with government officials and electricity distributors have given KABISA assurances that projects are underway to increase domestic power generation and meet growing demand, including from electric vehicle users.
KABISA says some of the electric vehicles it sells can travel up to 500 kilometres on a full battery, while charging costs can be up to 70% lower than the cost of petrol or diesel.
The government has also announced plans to build electric vehicle charging stations in areas where limited commercial returns may not attract private investors, ensuring wider access to charging services.
KABISA Managing Director Poshia Muhoza has said the company has started testing solar power at its electric vehicle charging stations.KABISA has begun piloting solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations in Rwanda
The list, titled the ‘100 Most Influential Global Leaders’, brings together entrepreneurs, business executives, innovators and other leaders whose work has contributed to positive change in society.
It was compiled by the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation, an African organisation focused on youth leadership development. The initiative recognises Africans living on the continent and abroad for their contributions across the public and private sectors.
This is the third edition of the list. Nkundimana’s inclusion is based on his work in technology and innovation. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 28, 2026.
Speaking to IGIHE, Nkundimana said the recognition would encourage him to continue developing innovative technology solutions, particularly EazyLink’s digital business card.
“It is an honour for us to be on this list. It will motivate us to continue adding innovations because the card is still in its early stage, and there are more features we plan to introduce in the next phases,” he said.
Nkundimana founded EazyLink in 2022. The company develops NFC-enabled digital business cards that allow users to share their contact details and social media profiles by simply tapping the card against a smartphone.
About 80% of EazyLink’s users are based outside Rwanda. They include business leaders, investors and professionals seeking an easier way to exchange contact information.
EazyLink has also been showcased at international technology events including GITEX Africa and GITEX Global.
Nkundimana also chairs Elysee Brand Inc., a digital marketing agency that has worked with brands in Rwanda, including Exo Energy Drink and Moreup Cosmetics.
He was also recently recognised for his contribution to technology and innovation at an international conference focused on advancing human development.
Nkundimana Elysée has been recognised among 100 influential African leaders for his work in technology and innovation.
On September 21, the prosecution said witness Gaston Munyabugingo, who previously worked with Ingabire, testified about alleged cooperation between FDU-Inkingi and other groups in a plan to overthrow the Rwandan government.
According to Munyabugingo’s testimony, P5, a coalition led by Kayumba Nyamwasa, had planned to stage a coup during a government leadership retreat held in Gabiro on February 15-16, 2020. Ingabire allegedly planned to organise demonstrations in support of the coup.
The prosecution said Ingabire was allegedly expected to mobilise about 5,000 people to take to the streets and support those who would have overthrown the government.
“In support of that operation, Ingabire Umuhoza Victoire allegedly had the responsibility of mobilising about 5,000 people who would take to the streets to demonstrate and support those who had already overthrown the government,” the prosecution said.
The prosecution further said that Ingabire asked Munyabugingo to accommodate her because she feared for her safety during the planned coup, while Munyabugingo also expressed concerns.
It said Ingabire had planned to move to Gicumbi but abandoned the plan following the arrest of singer Kizito Mihigo in February 2020 as he attempted to flee to Burundi.
After the plan to go to Gicumbi was abandoned, Munyabugingo allegedly hid Ingabire, who was disguised in Muslim clothing and was not wearing her glasses. She was reportedly accompanied by Leonille Gasengayire, a woman she lived with who served as a treasurer.
The prosecution said Munyabugingo also testified that Ingabire was in communication with Charlotte Mukankusi, who was responsible for diplomatic affairs within the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), a group founded by Nyamwasa.
Prosecutors further told the court that a document prepared by the RNC outlining how Rwanda would be governed after the alleged coup was found on Ingabire’s phone.
They said the document was accompanied by a chart containing the names of 79 people, including government and military officials, and allegedly proposed a system of appointments based on ethnic considerations, with Ingabire serving as president. Ingabire calls allegations ‘rumours’
During a hearing on October 1, 2026, Ingabire challenged the allegations, saying the prosecution had failed to demonstrate that the alleged coup ever took place.
She questioned the basis for accusing her of planning a coup based on Munyabugingo’s testimony.
“Did that coup happen? The prosecution has not demonstrated that it happened. If it did not happen, has it shown why it did not happen? People cannot discuss things in WhatsApp groups where people say that the RNC planned a coup, and then the prosecution says it planned a coup,” Ingabire said.
Regarding the allegation that she planned to mobilise 5,000 people to demonstrate in support of the coup, Ingabire questioned whether prosecutors had produced evidence of an agreement between her and the RNC to carry out the alleged operation.
“Have they demonstrated any agreement between me and the RNC to carry out a coup? The prosecution must move away from rumours and things circulating on social media and bring evidence,” she said.
Munyabugingo also testified that Ingabire later changed the purpose of the planned demonstrations to disrupting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which was scheduled to take place in Kigali.
Ingabire, however, said her involvement during preparations for CHOGM was limited to hosting a group of foreign participants at her home.
The judge asked whether the visit was simply a social one.
Ingabire said they discussed politics, the Commonwealth and Rwanda’s membership of the organisation. She added that the visitors had helped her politically by contributing to her increased visibility.
Ingabire Victoire has challenged coup allegations, calling them ‘WhatsApp rumours’
The international Sunshine Tour event, which was combined with the annual Rwanda Open, was held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas.
About 150 players from different countries took part in the tournament, which was won by South African golfer Kyle De Beer.
The tournament also provided an opportunity for Rwandan golfers to compete at an international level, with 13 players representing the country.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports, Ngabo Brave Olivier, said Rwanda aims to increase the number of players competing in the tournament, both from Rwanda and abroad.
“The doors are open to everyone who wants to come to Rwanda. We want the number of players competing in the tournament to increase beyond 150, while also increasing the number of Rwandans to a level where we can eventually win the tournament,” he said.
The goal of increasing participation in golf is among the reasons NCBA Bank Rwanda has continued to support the tournament. The bank also supports Kenyan golfer Njoroge Kibugu, who has competed in several tournaments backed by the bank.
Since 2023, NCBA Bank Rwanda has joined its operations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in supporting Rwandan golfers to access international competitions, including tournaments bringing together top players from across the region.
In 2024, the bank expanded its support to junior golfers through competitions such as the NCBA Junior Golf Series, which has reached about 4,000 children.
In 2026, NCBA invested more than Rwf683 million in over 160 golf tournaments across East Africa, including competitions organised in Kigali.
The bank’s continued involvement in golf is aimed at supporting the development of the sport while creating more opportunities for players, particularly young golfers, to gain competitive experience.
NCBA Bank Rwanda has expanded its support for golf by sponsoring the Rwanda Open 2026 at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas.NCBA Bank Rwanda has continued to support Rwandan golfers seeking opportunities to compete in international tournaments.NCBA Bank Rwanda has supported junior golf through competitions that have reached about 4,000 children since 2024.NCBA Bank Rwanda has continued supporting golf in Rwanda through its sponsorship of the Rwanda Open 2026.About 150 golfers have competed in the Rwanda Open 2026, supported by NCBA Bank Rwanda.
The bank highlighted its role during its annual engagement with customers in Musanze, where management and clients discussed progress made and challenges affecting access to financial services.
Private-sector representatives said BPR Bank has played a significant role in Musanze’s ongoing urban redevelopment, contributing to about 40% of more than 75 buildings completed so far.
Tugengwenayo Theonas, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation in Northern Province and the Musanze City Redevelopment Committee, said improved access to larger loans and faster processing had made a difference.
“We appreciate the increase in the size of loans and the reduction in the time it takes for a businessperson to access them. We estimate that the bank has contributed about 40% to the more than 75 buildings that have been completed,” he said.
He said the third phase of the redevelopment programme includes 60 projects expected to be completed by 2029, calling for continued support from financial institutions.
Musanze is also seeking investment in modern private schools, entertainment facilities, agricultural projects and parking infrastructure. Business owners also welcomed a decline in reliance on informal high-interest lending.
BPR Bank Rwanda Executive Director of Commercial Businesses Shema Mugisha said the bank’s services are shaped by feedback from its customers.
“Our goal is that the customer comes first. We are celebrating what has been achieved while also listening to you so that you can advise us, because we cannot perform well without you,” he said.
Shema said the bank had also changed how it values property used as collateral following concerns raised by customers in Musanze.
“Last year, you told us that when we took land or other property here in Musanze as collateral, we valued it at a low rate. We have now corrected that, and it is valued at 70%, instead of the 30% that was previously used,” he said.
BPR Bank Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Mutesi Patience said the bank regards businesses as partners and has increased its lending capacity in response to their needs.
She said the maximum lending capacity for an individual has risen to Rwf52 billion from Rwf25 billion in 2023.
“We see ourselves as partners of members of the private sector in the development journey. Along this journey, you have given us many ideas that have helped us,” Mutesi said.
She said the bank would continue improving its services to shorten the time customers spend seeking financing, including through digital platforms that allow some customers to access lending services using their phones.
Musanze District Mayor Nsengimana Claudien urged businesses involved in the city’s redevelopment to work with financial institutions to secure the financing needed to complete their projects.
“No one has enough money in their pocket to immediately complete a modern building project. Improve your investment projects aimed at transforming the appearance of Musanze and approach the bank for support,” he said.
He also encouraged businesses to pursue complementary projects capable of creating jobs for local residents.
Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice commended BPR Bank for responding to concerns raised by its customers.
He said Musanze aims to strengthen its position as a tourism centre and agricultural hub while making better use of its land.
“We want Musanze to continue being a city of opportunity and a hub for tourism. We also want it to remain an agricultural hub that makes efficient use of limited land while enabling its residents to earn a living,” he said.
Mugabowagahunde also credited improved access to bank financing with reducing reliance on an informal form of high-interest borrowing that has previously exposed some residents to financial difficulties.
He said delays in accessing formal loans had previously pushed people with urgent financial needs towards such lenders.
BPR Bank Rwanda says its regular engagement with customers enables it to identify challenges affecting them and improve its services in response.
BPR Bank Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Mutesi Patience has reminded Musanze business owners that the bank considers them partners and therefore engages with them to understand and respond to their needs.BPR Bank Rwanda Executive Director of Commercial Businesses Shema Mugisha has told customers in Musanze that the bank cannot succeed without their support and feedback.Governor Mugabowagahunde has credited BPR Bank with helping curb high-interest informal lending that had exposed residents to financial losses.BPR Bank Plc customers received a warm welcome at the event’s venue.
The response surprised them and what followed has turned their shared love of music into a journey connecting Rwanda and China, with more than 10 million followers now following their performances.
Before coming together, however, each had followed a different path.
Most had experience singing in church, while others were involved in different areas of music. Cyuzuzo Dany, for instance, worked as a taxi driver while also serving as a vocal coach, singing in church.
For Tesi Deborah, music had been part of life from an early age. After studying at Nyundo School of Art and Music; she performed at hotels, restaurants and weddings.
Despite their different backgrounds, music remained the common thread.
“We loved to sing; it was our life,” Tesi said.
Their interest in Chinese music grew from a desire to explore a different culture through song. Cyuzuzo first discovered Chinese music on YouTube and was surprised by the huge audiences some songs had attracted.
“I was like, ‘How?’ Because I didn’t even know that China had music like that,” he recalled.
Curiosity soon became fascination. The singers, known in China as the ‘Rwanda Youth Group,’ began listening to Chinese songs, learning them and posting short covers online.
For Habari Bora, another Nyundo School of Art and Music graduate, the inspiration also came from watching people sing Chinese songs online.
“I was very excited. I said, ‘Why not? I can try as well?’” she said.
The internet eventually brought the singers together. After Habari and another member posted their own videos, Cyuzuzo noticed their performances and contacted them, opening the door to collaboration and connections with Chinese audiences.
Members of the Rwanda Youth Group have performed Chinese songs for diverse audiences in China and beyond.
Learning Chinese through music
Performing Chinese songs has required patience, particularly because singing a song is different from speaking its language.
Their learning process begins with repeated listening. They first absorb the melody and emotion before studying the lyrics. They use pinyin (the official Latin alphabet system used to spell and pronounce Mandarin Chinese) rather than Chinese characters, often writing the lyrics down and repeatedly listening and singing along.
Noella Mugisha said the process can be surprisingly quick when they concentrate.
Yet the singers say they connected with Chinese music long before they could understand its words. As musicians, they respond first to melody, chords and vocal expression.
“First of all, we listen to the melody,” Noel Nshunguyase explained. “I cannot understand the language or know what they mean, but I can feel that the song is sad or happy because of the chords.”
For Cyuzuzo, some Chinese songs evoke memories of childhood, love, heartbreak and loss. Habari also discovered similarities between some Chinese musical techniques and those used in Rwanda.
“At first it started funny because of the language, but now I’m feeling the connection,” she said.
That connection has also shaped how Rwandan audiences view their music. Friends and former classmates were initially surprised to see them singing in Chinese, but their positive reactions became a source of motivation.
As their online following grew, so did opportunities and connections. For Tonia Niyongabo, music provides a powerful way for people from different cultures to understand one another.
“Globally, all of us human beings are united through music. We are one through music,” she said.
The emotional impact of their music has also reached individual fans. Cyuzuzo recalled one person who said their cover of a song reminded him of the loss of his mother and brought him to tears.
“That was very touching,” he recalled.
The singers say their music has also helped some Chinese people discover Rwanda. Cyuzuzo recalled meeting Chinese investors in Rwanda who said they knew about the country through their music and online presence.
For the group, however, more than 10 million followers represent people rather than just a number.
“It’s all love,” Cyuzuzo said, thanking fans for their likes, shares, comments and continued support.
The singers plan to keep learning Chinese songs, strengthening their connection with fans and using music to bring Rwandans and Chinese closer.
“Singing Chinese songs as Rwandans is our way of talking to Chinese fans, and conveying our message that we love them, respect them and we want to be friends with them,” Cyuzuzo said.
Zeng Guangyu, Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, described the Rwanda Youth Group as a striking example of cross-cultural communication, noting that their performances introduce Chinese audiences not only to Chinese music but also to Rwanda.
The Confucius Institute promotes Chinese language and culture through education and cultural exchange.
“I see the Rwanda Youth Group as a phenomenon of cross-cultural integration,” Zeng said. “While sharing Chinese songs, they also introduce audiences to Rwanda.”
He noted that by learning and performing Chinese songs, the singers have gained a deeper understanding of the emotions and stories conveyed through the music, while their short videos have allowed Chinese audiences thousands of kilometres away to discover more about Rwanda.
Zeng also praised the singers’ ambition and hard work, saying their journey demonstrates how young Rwandans can use creativity and music to build connections between cultures.
Members of the Rwanda Youth Group have used music to build connections between Rwandan and Chinese audiences.The group’s performances have attracted media attention in China, helping to strengthen interest in Rwanda and its culture.The Rwandan singers have attracted millions of followers through short videos of their Chinese song performances.The singers pose for a photo with journalists from the Zhejiang International Communication Center after sharing their experiences of learning Chinese songsMembers of the Rwanda Youth Group with a team of journalists from the Zhejiang International Communication Center during an exchange focused on their musical journey.
Dafroza was widely known for her efforts to seek justice for victims of the Genocide alongside her husband, Alain Gauthier. Together, they founded the Collectif des parties civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR), an organisation that gathered evidence and testimonies used in efforts to prosecute Genocide suspects living in France.
In recognition of their work, President Paul Kagame awarded the couple the Impeta y’Igihango medal ((National Order of Outstanding Friendship) on November 18, 2017.
The honour is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Rwanda and other countries, as well as promoting the dignity of Rwanda and Rwandans internationally.
Dafroza was born in Butare in 1954. She studied chemistry at university in France, where she met Alain Gauthier, a Frenchman who was then working as a teacher in Rwanda.
They later married and settled in France, where they were living when the Genocide against the Tutsi began. They had three children.
The Genocide claimed the lives of about 80 members of her family, leaving her with a profound personal loss.
In February 1994, Dafroza was in Kigali, but her mother urged her to return to France as the security situation continued to deteriorate. Dafroza tried to convince her relatives to leave Rwanda, but they were unable to do so. It was the last time she saw them.
After the Genocide, Dafroza and her husband committed themselves to ensuring that those suspected of involvement would not remain at large. They began their efforts to seek justice for Genocide victims in 1996 and founded CPCR in 2001.
Their work included tracing Genocide suspects living in France, travelling to Rwanda to gather evidence from places where crimes had been committed, speaking to survivors and detainees, and preparing case files for judicial authorities.
Dafroza also played an important role in translating Kinyarwanda documents into French for use in court proceedings. Her knowledge of Rwanda, its language and its history helped her collect and interpret evidence.
Their pursuit of justice came with significant personal sacrifices, including financial costs and time spent away from their children.
Beyond efforts to bring Genocide suspects to justice, Dafroza and her husband visited schools and universities to educate young people about the Genocide. They also contributed to efforts to preserve its history and counter Genocide denial.
Dafroza regarded justice as a way of restoring dignity to the victims of the Genocide. She argued that trials helped keep their names alive by showing who they were and what happened to them, rather than reducing them to statistics.
Her journey with her husband was documented in the 2023 book Rwanda, à la poursuite des génocidaires. The book was written by journalist Thomas Zribi in collaboration with illustrator Damien Roudeau, with a foreword by artist and writer Gaël Faye.
On November 18, 2017, President Paul Kagame awarded Dafroza for her contribution to bringing those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to justice.Dafroza and Alain Gauthier have founded the Collectif des parties civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR), which has helped gather evidence against Genocide suspects in France.Dafroza Gauthier has worked alongside her husband, Alain Gauthier, to pursue justice for Genocide victims in France.
The FAO Food Price Index averaged 136.0 points in September, up from a revised 134.0 points in August and reaching its highest level since November 2022.
The FAO benchmarks for cereal, sugar and vegetable oil prices all increased last month, while meat and dairy prices declined.
FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero said disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, combined with climate shocks, were putting pressure on energy, transport and key food commodities.
If sustained, such pressures could eventually be passed on to consumer food prices, particularly in countries dependent on food and energy imports, Torero said.
Concerns over a severe El Nino weather pattern pushed international sugar prices to an 18-month high, while disruptions to Black Sea trade amid the conflict drove wheat futures to a three-year peak in early September, according to the FAO.
The FAO forecast global cereal production in 2026 at 2.979 billion metric tons, broadly unchanged from its previous forecast. The figure is 2.1 percent below the 2025 level but would still be the second-highest on record.
The FAO also cut its forecast for global cereal trade in 2026/27 by 0.7 percent from September, citing lower expectations for wheat and maize exports amid constrained shipping routes in the Black Sea.
This photo shows the side event titled “Innovations in Aquaculture Production” held in Rome, Italy, Sept. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Jing)
The country is represented by around a dozen companies coming directly from Rwanda, with the aim of showcasing their products and strengthening their presence in international markets. The International Trade Centre (ITC) is also present, highlighting its role and initiatives supporting business development and international trade.
From 6 to 8 October, Madrid becomes a major meeting point for professionals from across the global fruit and vegetable industry. Organised by IFEMA MADRID and FEPEX, Fruit Attraction 2026 brings together more than 2,400 companies and is expected to attract more than 121,000 professional visitors from 152 countries.
For Rwanda, participation in the trade fair provides an opportunity to showcase the potential of its agricultural sector and establish new connections with international buyers, importers, distributors and business partners.
Around a dozen Rwandan companies in Madrid
The Rwandan delegation is made up of around a dozen companies coming directly from Rwanda, taking part in the international event to showcase their products, establish business contacts and explore new export opportunities.
Their presence provides greater visibility for Rwandan agricultural products among international industry stakeholders gathered in Madrid.
Fruit Attraction also gives participating companies direct access to a broad professional network, including retailers, importers, wholesalers and distributors.
ITC supporting Rwandan businesses
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is also present in Madrid to highlight its role in promoting international trade and supporting businesses.
Through initiatives such as ITC SheTrades Rwanda, the organisation supports Rwandan women entrepreneurs in developing their businesses and accessing international markets. The programme particularly supports women-led businesses in the agricultural and horticultural sectors, helping them prepare for export and identify new commercial opportunities.
The ITC’s presence complements Rwanda’s participation at Fruit Attraction by highlighting the importance of business development, capacity building and access to international markets.
A trade fair focused on international markets
This year’s edition is held under the slogan “Donde la esencia del sector conecta con el mundo”, meaning “Where the essence of the industry connects with the world.”
The trade fair covers more than 78,000 square metres across ten halls at IFEMA MADRID. Visitors can discover products, new varieties and formats, technologies and innovations presented by participating companies.
The exhibition is organised around four specialised areas: Fresh Produce, Auxiliary Industry, Fresh Food Logistics and Innova&Tech.
This year, the potato is Fruit Attraction’s featured product.
Opportunities for Rwandan exporters
Rwanda’s participation comes as agricultural businesses seek to expand their markets beyond the region.
For the Rwandan companies attending the event, Fruit Attraction provides an opportunity to meet international buyers, showcase their products, identify new partners and gain a better understanding of the requirements of different export markets.
The International Buyers Programme, organised with the collaboration of Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, ICEX and FEPEX, is expected to bring 700 major buyers, retail purchasing managers, importers and wholesalers from more than 50 countries to Madrid.
China and the United Arab Emirates are also being highlighted this year under the Guest Importing Countries programme.
Rwanda seeks greater international visibility
Through the participation of around a dozen companies, Rwanda is seeking to strengthen the visibility of its agricultural sector on an international platform bringing together stakeholders from major global markets.
Beyond showcasing their products, the participation gives Rwandan companies an opportunity to develop business relationships and identify new opportunities in a sector where quality, traceability, innovation and sustainability are becoming increasingly important.
The presence of the ITC adds another dimension to Rwanda’s participation, with a focus on supporting businesses and helping them connect with international markets.
With more than 121,000 professional visitors expected, Fruit Attraction 2026 provides Rwanda with an important platform to showcase its agricultural products and strengthen connections with international markets.
Around a dozen Rwandan companies are set to participate in Fruit Attraction 2026, seeking to connect with international buyers and explore new export opportunities.Rwandan companies are set to showcase agricultural products at Fruit Attraction 2026 in Madrid, Spain, from October 6 to 8.The International Trade Centre (ITC) is set to support Rwanda’s participation in Fruit Attraction 2026, highlighting initiatives aimed at helping businesses access international markets.
