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.
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. The exhibition provides a valuable platform to promote innovation in agriculture and livestock development.The event takes place at Paris Expo–Porte de Versailles from late February to early March each year. Nzungize is among participants representing Rwandan companies exporting coffee.
The new capital will support the continued expansion of Spiro’s industry-leading battery swapping network across existing and new markets, while further advancing the company’s proprietary technology platform, including automated battery swaps, fast charging, and renewable energy integration.
“Demand for Spiro’s innovative, industry-leading battery swapping infrastructure continues to grow and is reshaping mobility in Africa by providing reliable, clean transportation options across the continent,” said Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro.
“With strong financial backing and cutting-edge technology, Spiro is leading Africa’s transition to sustainable mobility. This new funding reinforces our vision of building a robust, scalable energy network tailored for Africa by Africans.”
“Spiro’s growth exemplifies the power of Made-in-Africa, for-Africa solutions,” said Gagan Gupta, Founder of Spiro. “By combining local insights with global best practices, we are creating a resilient, green energy ecosystem that supports economic development and climate goals. This funding empowers us to bring affordable clean energy and mobility to millions of Africans while deploying an industry leading energy infrastructure that will contribute meaningfully to a greener future in Africa.”
Laurène Aigrain, Managing Director of Africa Go Green Fund highlighted that Spiro has built a strong platform that is delivering tangible impact across multiple African markets, and expressed delight at supporting the next phase of its growth as it scales critical clean mobility infrastructure.
“This transaction reflects our commitment to backing commercially robust businesses that combine innovation with measurable environmental and social impact.”
“Spiro is one of the largest and fastest-growing players in the pan-African e-mobility market,” said Raghav Sachdeva, CIO of Nithio.
“They have demonstrated that electric mobility can scale rapidly while delivering real economic value to riders and meaningful emissions reductions. We are proud to support Spiro’s continued growth and see e-mobility as a critical pillar of Africa’s clean energy transition.”
Spiro is operational in six countries; Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Benin and Togo, with pilots underway in Cameroon and Tanzania. To date, Spiro has deployed more than 80,000 electric bikes, circulated over 300,000 batteries, completed more than 30 million battery swaps, established over 2,500 swap stations, and enabled more than one billion CO₂- free kilometres travelled.
The company remains committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy, sustainable cities, and climate action.
“Driving Africa’s transition to electric mobility is central to how we view sustainable economic development across the continent,” said Oluranti Doherty, MD, Export Development at Afreximbank. “By supporting Spiro, Afreximbank is committed to financing the future of sustainable African trade; we are promoting a green industrial value chain that keeps innovation at the forefront of a just energy transition.”
Spiro has more than 80,000 electric motorcycles.The new capital will support the continued expansion of Spiro’s industry-leading battery swapping network across existing and new markets.Spiro has achieved over one billion kilometres of low-carbon emissions travel.
The rewards, equivalent to 10% of the VAT paid on Electronic Invoicing System (EBM) invoices requested during October, November, and December 2025, include 157,020 consumers from the final quarter of the year. An additional nine consumers received a combined Rwf 7,091,931 for invoices from July–September 2025, following verification for individual rewards exceeding Rwf 500,000.
To date, the VAT Reward programme, known as Tengamara Na TVA, has distributed more than Rwf 3.7 billion to 370,147 beneficiaries.
The programme has not only provided financial rewards but also reinforced tax compliance and civic responsibility, according to Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications, Jean Paulin Uwitonze.
He noted that the 157,029 beneficiaries for this quarter have contributed to the collection of more than Rwf 13 billion toward national development.
“Since the launch of this programme, participants have continued to experience tangible benefits. Beyond the rewards, the initiative strengthens civic responsibility and reinforces a culture of tax compliance,” he stated.
Uwitonze emphasised that rewards are granted only for invoices accrued by final consumers in the relevant quarter, provided traders have declared and paid the VAT. He urged both consumers and traders to comply with invoicing requirements, noting that failure to issue or request EBM invoices is a legal violation.
Tengamara Na TVA encourages consumers to request EBM invoices for every purchase, offering a 10% VAT reward and a share of penalties from non-compliant traders. The programme aims to promote transparency and shared responsibility in national development.
To qualify, consumers must register for the VAT reward programme by providing their name, a Rwandan mobile phone number, a Mobile Money or bank account, and a national ID. Registration can be done by dialing *800# or through the MyRRA platform. The same channels allow users to check their reward accounts and track issued invoices.
To date, the VAT Reward programme, known as Tengamara Na TVA, has distributed more than Rwf 3.7 billion to 370,147 beneficiaries.
Speaking before Members of Parliament, Dr. Arakwiye acknowledged rising public complaints over delays in accessing land-related services, attributing the backlog to a sharp increase in applications and the limited capacity of the existing digital infrastructure.
When LAIS was first introduced, it processed about 15,000 files annually. Today, the system handles more than 800,000 files each year. Official figures indicate that 376,686 land files were recorded in 2023, rising to over 750,000 in 2024 and surpassing 864,000 in 2025, more than doubling within a short period.
The minister explained that expanded access to land services has significantly contributed to the surge. Previously offered mainly at the provincial level, services are now delivered at sector offices, through land committees at cell level, and via the government’s online services platform, Irembo. Twelve of the most requested land services have been digitised, while private notaries and survey assistants have been authorised to facilitate certain processes.
“Previously, services were provided at provincial level, but now they have been decentralised to sector level, with land committees established at cell level,” she said.
LAIS has also been integrated with other government systems, including tax platforms and the national auction system, enabling institutions to directly obtain land documentation where required, without citizens having to make separate applications.
Staffing within LAIS has grown from 80 employees at its launch to 150 currently, with more than 1,000 additional users extracting information from the system. However, government projections show that the platform will need to accommodate up to 3,000 personnel to manage current and future demand effectively.
Authorities say planned upgrades to system capacity, workforce expansion, and deeper institutional integration are expected to ease bottlenecks and improve the efficiency of land service delivery nationwide.
Authorities say the Land Administration Information System (LAIS) will need the capacity to support at least 3,000 staff who manage digital maps and land data to meet growing demand for land services.
NBR Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye announced the decision on Thursday, February 19, following a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Wednesday, which reviewed recent domestic and international economic developments and updated the country’s economic projections.
Inflation in Rwanda increased to 8.9 percent in January 2026, up from 8.0 percent in December 2025, exceeding the Central Bank’s target range of 2–8 percent.
The rise, the central bank boss said, has been driven largely by higher energy costs, electricity tariffs, fuel prices, and supply constraints on fresh food, particularly vegetables affected by below-normal rainfall.
“The Monetary Policy Committee has decided to increase the Central Bank Rate to 7.25 percent to limit second-round effects of recent price increases and support a timely return of inflation to the target range,” she stated.
The governor noted that headline inflation is expected to remain slightly above 8 percent in the first half of 2026, before easing toward the target band by the end of the year.
“The MPC will continue to closely monitor economic developments and the inflation outlook. Should the highlighted risks materialize, we will assess the need for further policy adjustments to ensure inflation converges to the target range over the medium term,” Governor Hakuziyaremye added.
Despite inflationary pressures, Rwanda’s economy continues to perform strongly. The country recorded an average growth of 8.7 percent during the first three quarters of 2025, with the Composite Index of Economic Activity (CIEA) rising 17.1 percent in the fourth quarter.
Merchandise exports grew by 14.1 percent, supported by traditional exports such as coffee and minerals, while non-traditional exports, including processed cooking oil and wheat flour, also recorded notable gains.
The Rwandan franc showed signs of stabilisation in 2025, with depreciation slowing to 4.4 percent from 9.42 percent in 2024, thanks to stronger tourism receipts, increased remittances, and domestic foreign exchange reforms.
In the financial sector, Rwanda continues to demonstrate resilience. Credit institutions, insurance companies, and microfinance institutions maintained strong capital and liquidity positions, while the consolidated loan book of the banking sector grew by 28.5 percent to reach Rwf 6.8 trillion as of December 2025. Non-performing loans remained low at 2.5 percent, within regulatory limits.
NBR Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye announced the decision on Thursday, February 19, following a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held on Wednesday.
According to data from the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), coffee and tea remained the leading foreign exchange earners during the period under review.
Coffee leads export revenues
Coffee recorded export volumes of 741 metric tons, generating $4,854,267 in revenues, the highest among all product categories. The strong performance underscores Rwanda’s reputation for high-quality speciality coffee in global markets.
Tea followed closely, with 1,097 metric tons exported and revenues amounting to $3,175,927, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s traditional top export commodities.
Vegetable exports reached 509 metric tons, generating $485,340. Key destination markets included Great Britain, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, France, China, as well as cross-border and other African countries.
Fruit exports totalled 385 metric tons and earned $286,215. Japan, Great Britain, Vietnam, and regional African markets were among the primary destinations.
Flower exports, though smaller in volume at 44 metric tons, generated a notable $388,241. Major markets included Nigeria, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Diversified agricultural products accounted for the largest export volume at 6,500 metric tons, bringing in $3,431,876. The main destinations for these products were the United States of America, Oman, India, and cross-border and other African countries.
Animal products also contributed to overall earnings, with 266 metric tons exported and revenues totalling $449,009, largely destined for cross-border and regional African markets.
The export data highlights Rwanda’s expanding footprint across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and intra-African markets. The diversified export basket demonstrates the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains and enhance competitiveness in international trade.
Diversified agricultural products accounted for the largest export volume at 6,500 metric tons, bringing in $3,431,876.
Speaking at the country’s First National Conference on Digital Transformation in Maputo last week, President Daniel Francisco Chapo framed digitalisation as a governance reform rather than a purely technological upgrade.
“Countries are not transformed only with physical infrastructure. They are also transformed through digital infrastructure that connects citizens to the State and to opportunity,” he said.
At the heart of the initiative is the creation of a Multi-Sector Technical Commission on Digital Services, tasked with delivering a national roadmap for integrating public digital systems by mid-2026. The Commission will map existing platforms, promote interoperability, eliminate duplication, and define a strategy for a fully connected government.
President Chapo acknowledged that fragmentation across government institutions—such as separate databases and non-communicating systems—creates inefficiencies and administrative burdens.
“There must be no technological islands within the State,” he said.
The reform aims to enable citizens and businesses to access services such as identity documentation, licensing, tax payments, and business registration remotely through interoperable platforms and a central Citizen Portal.
Officials say digital integration could reduce bureaucratic delays, improve transparency, and strengthen Mozambique’s investment climate, a key priority as the country seeks to expand private-sector participation and align with regional digital trade frameworks under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mozambique has already established a dedicated Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation, consolidating institutional leadership of the digital agenda. The initiative comes amid recent floods affecting several provinces, with President Chapo noting that digital platforms are vital for disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and secure preservation of administrative records.
“Yesterday, independence was measured by control of territory. Today, it is also measured by the ability to govern the digital space,” President Chapo said, framing digital transformation as a pillar of national sovereignty.
The conference also saw the unveiling of a new electronic visa (e-Visa) platform, which allows remote applications and faster processing to streamline entry, boost tourism, and improve the ease of doing business.
Mozambique’s “one-click” ambition reflects a broader effort to learn from successful ICT integration models in Africa, including Rwanda’s Irembo platform and Kenya’s M-Pesa system, which Mozambique has recently adopted to expand access to mobile money.
Last August, President Chapo visited Rwanda, including the Kigali Special Economic Zone, where he explored the country’s industrial, manufacturing, and business infrastructure and held discussions with President Paul Kagame on economic and technological cooperation.
“We want to move at the same pace as those ahead, learning from those who have done it already, understanding the challenges they faced and how they overcame them to bring about the same level of services that can be found in those countries,” said Mozambique’s Américo Muchanga, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, adding that tech companies from the region can compete for tenders to help transform the country.
While the digital reform signals strong political commitment, implementation will depend on institutional coordination, infrastructure expansion, digital literacy, and sustained financing. Mozambique’s internet penetration, rural connectivity gaps, and cybersecurity capacity remain structural factors that will influence the pace of transformation.
President Daniel Francisco Chapo framed digitalisation as a governance reform rather than a purely technological upgrade.Mozambique’s First National Conference on Digital Transformation was held in Maputo last weekMozambique’s ICT Minister Américo Muchanga addresses the conference.
As the exclusive representative of world-class brands such as Caterpillar, Manitou, Kalmar, Massey Ferguson, and the newly added FAW, Tractafric Equipment offers a comprehensive range of services, including the sale of new and used equipment, spare parts, maintenance, rentals, repairs, fleet management, and training.
For construction, mining, infrastructure development, and more, Tractafric Equipment offers globally recognized CAT and SEM machines.
Their extensive lineup includes bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, and other earthmoving and material handling equipment. Available in diesel. These machines provide customers with flexible power options to suit diverse operational needs.
With a diverse fleet comprising over 100 types of machines, Tractafric Equipment supplies industrial equipment renowned for cargo handling and material movement, with capacities ranging from 1.5 to 60 tons.
Specialized machines are capable of lifting loads up to 30 meters, with brands like Manitou and Kalmar offering models powered by diesel, fuel, or electricity, catering to environmentally conscious businesses.
Given the region’s reliance on agriculture, Tractafric Equipment provides tailored solutions to enhance agricultural productivity.
Partnering with Massey Ferguson, the company supplies a range of tractors equipped with various horsepower options and specialized attachments for plowing, harrowing, fertilizing, and harvesting with exceptional precision.
Beyond equipment sales, Tractafric Equipment is a one-stop center for spare parts, offering components for trucks, tractors, machines, and more. Their inventory includes tires, oil, oil filters, and other essential parts to keep machinery running smoothly.
The company also offers generators up to 4MW and solar-powered generators ranging from small household units to industrial models capable of generating over 2,000 volts.
Additionally, Tractafric Equipment supplies mobile tower lights, which extend up to 7.6 meters, providing reliable illumination for construction sites, events, and other temporary lighting needs. They also stock 400-liter cement mixers, ideal for large-scale construction projects.
Abdourahman Youssouf Ismail, Parts & Service Manager, emphasized the importance of maintenance in protecting the value of machinery investments.
“We guide our clients on how to care for their machines because some parts require replacement every 250, 500, or 1,000 hours of use. Without proper knowledge, clients might overlook essential maintenance,” he said.
Pierre Warin, Regional Director for the Great Lakes region, underscored Tractafric Equipment’s commitment to after-sales support, highlighting that their employees receive specialized training directly from manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Perkins, and Massey Ferguson.
“We don’t just sell machines; we provide long-term value by ensuring these machines continue to perform efficiently over time,” Warin noted.
In addition to sales and maintenance, Tractafric Equipment offers rental services, allowing clients to access essential equipment for extended periods.
The company has also introduced a flexible rent-to-own program, enabling customers to acquire equipment through installment payments in partnership with financial institutions. This approach reduces financial strain while empowering clients to grow their businesses effectively.
Sales Manager Kevin Ndahinyuka noted that the company goes beyond sales to provide advisory services, helping clients select the right equipment for their specific operational needs.
“We assist clients in choosing the appropriate machinery based on their needs, and even after the purchase, we continue to support them throughout the machine’s lifecycle,” he said.
Recently, Tractafric Equipment expanded its offerings with the introduction of the FAW J6P truck tractors and tippers, manufactured by the leading Chinese brand FAW.
Designed for mining, construction, and agriculture, these robust trucks offer payload capacities ranging from 7,000 to 18,000 kg, with a 6×4 transmission system ensuring reliable performance in demanding conditions.
As the region continues to develop rapidly, Tractafric Equipment remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-tier heavy machinery solutions while maintaining a customer-centric approach. “Our mission remains the same: to be the go-to provider of heavy machinery solutions, delivering the best value to our clients,” the company stated.
For business inquiries, Tractafric Equipment’s offices are located in Kigali, Rwanda at KK 6 Ave, Magerwa Road. They can also be reached at +250 788 366 000 for Rwanda and +257 79 33 93 37 for Burundi.
Stay updated with Tractafric Equipment by following them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn at Tractafric Equipment Rwanda & Tractafric Equipment Burundi.
Visit their website at https://www.tractafric-equipment.com/en/rwanda–burundi.html for more information.
The deal, announced on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, will see Paradigm Tower Ventures acquire 100% of IHS Rwanda Limited, which operates approximately 1,465 tower sites across the country.
The transaction remains subject to government and regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.
The transaction reflects an enterprise value of $274.5 million, representing a multiple of 8.3 times IHS Rwanda’s adjusted EBITDA after leases. The valuation is considered a significant premium compared to the broader IHS Towers group’s current market multiple.
“The agreement to sell our Rwanda operations to Paradigm Tower Ventures was carefully
considered as part of our strategic initiatives targeted at shareholder value creation options and highlights the value of our Rwanda operations within our wider portfolio,” said IHS Towers Chairman and CEO Sam Darwish.
In a statement reflecting on the company’s successful journey in Rwanda, the IHS boss expressed appreciation for the partnerships and conducive environment that have supported the firm’s growth over the years.
“We have enjoyed more than 10 years of commercial success in Rwanda. We are deeply appreciative to our colleagues and customers, in addition to the Government of Rwanda for its exemplary and investor-supportive framework, who have all helped make IHS Rwanda the success it is today,” he added.
Paradigm Tower Ventures, which is making its first investment under a new platform dedicated to wireless infrastructure growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, hailed Rwanda as a promising market.
“Rwanda represents an exciting market with high demand for shared wireless infrastructure,” said Stephen Harris, Co-founder of Paradigm Tower Ventures.
“The Paradigm team is very much looking forward to building a strong customer-focused business providing high-quality and secure infrastructure to mobile network operators.”
Founded in 2019 by seasoned industry executives Stephen Harris, Hal Hess, and Steven Marshall, Paradigm Infrastructure has been involved in various tower acquisitions and operations across Africa.
IHS Towers, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, operates more than 39,000 towers across eight markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia.
The delegation, led by Dr. Imad Al-Khoury, CEO of AQI, met with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Deputy CEO Juliana Muganza on Monday. The group expressed interest in the pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, real estate, and agriculture sectors.
The delegation also met separately with the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Dr Yvan Butera, in a discussion focused on investment opportunities in Rwanda’s pharmaceutical production, local manufacturing, and regional health security.
Also in attendance were Waseem Hamad, CEO of Philex Pharmaceuticals, and Lee Farrelly, General Manager of Manal Food Factory.
AQI was established in 2002 and operates across a wide range of industries, including construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and medical services. The company is known for providing strategic and operational solutions across its portfolio, and has a growing interest in expanding into new markets.
The visit by AQI and its partners marks a continued strengthening of economic ties between Rwanda and Qatar, with both governments actively facilitating cross-border investments to drive innovation, create jobs, and boost sustainable development.
The visit also reflects Rwanda’s growing appeal to international investors, driven by its strong global rankings in business climate.
According to the World Bank’s 2024 Business Ready (B-READY) report, Rwanda is among the [top-performing countries in terms of ease of doing business->https://en.igihe.com/economy/article/rwanda-ranked-among-top-performers-in-new-world-bank-business-report].
The country ranked 3rd globally for Operational Efficiency, scoring 81.31%, and 8th in Public Services with a score of 67.37%. It also placed 17th worldwide in Regulatory Framework, earning a score of 70.35%.
