The investment is outlined in the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5) and aims to boost productivity, ensure food security, and strengthen Rwanda's agricultural exports.
Agriculture currently contributes around 25% to Rwanda's GDP, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), and remains a key driver of economic growth.
As part of the government's long-term plan, agricultural productivity is expected to grow by at least 50% by 2029, with a focus on boosting crop and livestock production. The investment will also prioritise climate-resilient farming and innovations to ensure the sector remains competitive and sustainable in the face of climate change, ensuring that Rwanda can meet the food demands of its growing population, projected to reach 22 million by 2050.
Under the government's plan, the country's food self-sufficiency ratio is expected to rise from 79.6% in 2024 to 100% by 2029. Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva told Parliament in October 2025 that agriculture and livestock have been key drivers of economic growth, helping per capita output rise from USD 754 in 2017 to USD 1,040 in 2024.
Rwanda also aims to increase exports by an average of 13% per year, with export revenues projected to reach USD 7.3 billion by 2029. Agricultural and livestock output is expected to grow by at least 50% over the same period.
MINAGRI says the investment will focus on multiple pillars, including climate-resilient farming, irrigation, modern crop and livestock production, and seed quality improvement, with private sector collaboration expected to help scale production. Over 37% of the planned investment will go toward high-yield, climate-resilient crops.
Irrigation coverage has already expanded from 52,000 hectares in 2017 to over 74,000 hectares, with a target of 132,171 hectares by 2029. The government also provides farmers with 50% subsidies for small-scale irrigation equipment on plots up to 10 hectares.
Livestock development will remain a priority, with modern breeding programs, including embryo transfer technologies, aiming to increase milk, meat, and fish production. Fish output is projected to rise from 52,000 tons in 2025 to 77,000 tons by 2029, while egg production is expected to reach 21,000 tons from 17,000 tons in 2024.
Since 2017, the government has invested over Rwf 36.6 billion to improve access to livestock vaccines and other essential inputs.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore recently emphasised that the 'food basket sites' initiative, along with other programs, will help double agricultural productivity and reinforce Rwanda's food security ambitions.
IGIHE
