The event, held under the theme of promoting investment and market access in agricultural and food products, aimed to deepen cooperation between Rwandan producers and Emirati investors across key export sectors, including coffee, tea, honey, and horticultural products such as avocados.
In his opening remarks, Mohammed Al Kaabi, Chargé d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Kigali, stated that the forum marked 'a significant step in the shared commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.'
Al Kaabi noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and Rwanda reached USD 1.698 billion in 2024, representing a 61% increase from the previous year. The UAE remains Rwanda's leading export destination by value, with Rwandan exports to the UAE rising by 68%, from USD 895 million in 2023 to USD 1.504 billion in 2024.
He added that the UAE's growing demand for premium, traceable, and sustainable food products presents 'natural opportunities for Rwandan producers,' emphasizing that the UAE offers attractive avenues for investment in food processing, cold-chain logistics, packaging, and agri-tech innovation.
Joining virtually from Abu Dhabi, John Mirenge, Rwanda's envoy to the UAE, commended the ongoing partnership and stated: 'Rwanda and the UAE enjoy excellent relations built on mutual respect and trust.'
Amb. Mirenge highlighted that UAE investment commitments in Rwanda have surpassed USD 320 million, with more projects in the pipeline. He added that discussions on a possible Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations are progressing well. Once finalized, the agreement is expected to further strengthen trade and business collaboration between the two countries.
Representing Rwanda's agricultural exporters, Eric Ruganintwali, Planning Division Manager at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), underscored the sector's steady performance and called for stronger coordination to boost Rwanda's market share in the UAE.
'Over the past four years, Rwanda's agricultural exports to the UAE have grown by 34% annually, driven mainly by avocados, tea, and coffee,' he remarked. He also encouraged producers to embrace direct sales and large-scale shipments via sea transport to increase competitiveness.
Didace Mparirwa, Head of Agriculture and Livestock at the Private Sector Federation (PSF), emphasized that such forums are not only a networking platform but a vital bridge between local producers and international markets.
'These engagements give our agripreneurs the opportunity to showcase their products, exchange ideas, and form valuable partnerships,' he said. 'Many farmers and companies have been able to secure contracts and expand their market reach through similar events. This model should not be a one-off activity, it should become a consistent platform for growth and learning.'
Dr. Martin Luther Mawo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Rwanda Mountain Tea, echoed similar sentiments, calling the forum a timely and practical step toward unlocking Rwanda's export potential.
'This was a tremendous experience for us because it revealed the true scale of opportunity in the UAE market,' Dr. Mawo noted. 'We've seen where we stand in terms of exports and identified the gaps we need to address. What matters now is taking concrete action to meet the demand and positioning our products more strategically.'
Presentations from the UAE delegation, including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), showcased the UAE's position as a global trade hub, offering modern infrastructure, favourable tax policies, and strategic connectivity to global markets.
Dr. Khaleifa Mohamed Ali Al Rayssi, Senior Specialist in Investment Support and Inducements at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the UAE's global connectivity, remarking on its strategic significance:
'The UAE's geographic position makes it a global gateway in the Middle East. Within four hours, you can reach about 2.5 billion people, and within eight hours, nearly five billion people. This connectivity is why the UAE has become a center of international trade, logistics, and investment.'
The hybrid forum concluded with a mini-exhibition of Rwandan coffee, tea, honey, and fruit products, reinforcing Rwanda's commitment to diversifying exports, and attracting sustainable investment from the UAE and beyond.
The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment partnerships with Rwanda, particularly in agriculture, food security, logistics, and sustainable economic development.
IGIHE
