This growth, which far exceeds the pace of Chinese exports to Rwanda, underscores the expanding trade relationship between the two countries, fueled primarily by Rwanda's agricultural exports to China. A key driver of this success has been the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which has provided a vital platform for Rwanda to expand its presence in China's vast market.
Rwanda has participated in every edition of CIIE since its inception, drawn by concrete gains. A standout example is its chili pepper industry. At the inaugural CIIE, Rwanda secured a two million U.S. dollars chili oil order, laying the groundwork for it to become Africa's first nation to export dried chilies to China in 2021. Beyond individual orders, this collaboration has built integrated supply chains â€" such as a farm in Rwanda's Nyagatare region, a joint effort with Hunan's Grain and Oil Import and Export Group.
The farm employs up to 400 local women during harvest peaks, offering wages three to five times higher than traditional incomes. After harvesting, the peppers are processed in a nearby factory before being shipped to China, where they are further refined and distributed across major supermarkets. This project has not only improved local livelihoods but also ensured that Rwandan chili meets Chinese customs standards, enabling large-scale cross-border trade.
The true value of CIIE â€" and of the other expos, including the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, Canton Fair and China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), that Rwanda has consistently been active in participating in â€" lies beyond the immediate orders they help secure. They offer long-term opportunities for market expansion and brand recognition.
Rwanda is focused on building the "Made in Rwanda" brand, aiming to enhance the reputation of its products in global markets, empowered by innovative sales channels like live-streaming. This year, we will showcase avocados at CIIE for the first time, aiming to replicate the success of our coffee and tea â€" products that have gained footholds in Chinese markets through previous expos.
This progress, visible through the CIIE window, is firmly rooted in the long-term framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) which has laid solid institutional foundations for China-Rwanda cooperation across multiple sectors. FOCAC's commitments have driven concrete steps to narrow trade imbalances, notably through the full implementation of China's zero-tariff scheme for African countries, including Rwanda, to make the exports more competitive.
The critical infrastructure development, industrial partnerships and financial support facilitated by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), these elements have enabled Rwanda to expand its export capacity, build a stronger manufacturing base and upgrade local industries. Equally vital to this evolving partnership is the deepening people-to-people exchange.
Rwandan students who have studied in China have returned with technical expertise, innovative business models and invaluable insights into global markets â€" many of them later showcasing their products at expos like the CIIE. This exchange fosters two-way flows of technology and management experience, preparing the workforce for the opportunities that come with China-Rwanda industrial and economic partnerships.
Building on this strong foundation, Rwanda's investment climate continues to evolve, strengthened in particular by the 2021 Investment Promotion Law, which offers attractive tax incentives, streamlined administrative processes like faster business registration, and lower barriers for foreign investors. Combined with a stable environment and a strong focus on business growth, these factors make Rwanda an ideal destination for Chinese enterprises looking to expand into Africa.
Beyond opportunities in agriculture and local processing as mentioned, Rwanda's goal of becoming Africa's leading tech innovation hub aligns seamlessly with China's strengths in digital technology. In 2018, the same year Rwanda and China signed the Belt and Road cooperation memorandum, Alibaba Group launched Africa's first electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) in Rwanda, offering a breakthrough opportunity for African businesses to tap into global digital markets.
With increasing demand for smart city solutions, 5G infrastructure, and data centers, Chinese companies are well-positioned to contribute, leveraging their technical expertise and cost advantages to benefit Rwanda's growing population. Expanding digital payment systems in rural areas, for example, could help smallholder farmers and SMEs receive payments more quickly and access microloans, empowering them to increase production and fully capitalize on the digital and trade partnership with China.
As China enters a phase of high-quality development following the completion of its 14th Five-Year Plan, its achievements in fostering a resilient economy and advancing technological manufacturing are clear.
China's steadfast commitment to continuing its opening-up and furthering international cooperation serves as an inspiring model for African partners. Platforms like the CIIE exemplify this approach, offering opportunities to build new supply chains and unlock both nations' economic and market potential. As Rwanda looks ahead, it is eager to deepen its collaboration with China, driving mutual growth, innovation and long-term prosperity.
Amb. James Kimonyo
