The announcement was made on September 30, 2025, during the East Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) conference held in Kigali. The event brought together farmers from across the East African Community (EAC) and various partners to discuss strategies for food self-sufficiency and long-term agricultural development.
This latest contribution adds to over Frw 127 billion that the EU had previously provided through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Elise Hadman, Deputy Head for Western Africa at the EU's Directorate-General for International Partnerships, praised EAFF's 20 years of supporting small-scale farmers and noted that over Frw 170 billion has been channelled to farmer associations through the EU-Bank of Kigali 'Global Gateway Strategy'.
Hadman said, 'So far, farmer associations and food processors have received over 75 million Euros (127 billion Rwandan Francs) from the EU in partnership with BK through the IFAD fund. Today, we are pleased to confirm an additional 26 million Euros (44 billion Rwandan Francs), bringing total support to over 170 billion Rwandan Francs.'
She added that the EU remains committed to advancing agricultural development across the continent to ensure food self-sufficiency.
Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Rwanda's Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, noted that the funding will help farmers, food processors, and agricultural institutions access capital to expand operations and mitigate the effects of climate change.
'As we celebrate 20 years of the EAFF, we look forward to advancing long-term agriculture that benefits the entire region. When we receive funding, we must use it to increase production, not for celebrations. This is what will help reduce Africa's food import gap,' he said.
It is expected that EU agricultural support to Rwanda will total 500 million Euros between 2020 and 2030.
During the conference, officials were also taken through a range of agricultural produce processed by local farmers, highlighting the impact of EU support on Rwanda's agricultural sector.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/eu-commits-additional-frw-44-billion-to-rwandan-farmers
