According to data from Chinese Customs, Rwanda's exports to China increased from USD 28.7 million in 2021 to a record 227 million in 2025, representing an approximately 691 percent increase within five years.
The rapid growth has positioned China among Rwanda's top three export markets, reflecting increasing demand for Rwandan products and expanding opportunities for local businesses seeking access to one of the world's largest consumer markets.
China has also become one of Rwanda's largest trading partners and remains the country's leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with Chinese companies increasingly exploring opportunities in sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, transport and services.
At the same time, Rwandan businesses have continued to explore the Chinese market, particularly for agricultural and high-value products such as coffee, tea, chili, macadamia nuts and locally produced handicrafts.
As part of efforts to deepen economic cooperation with China, Rwanda is participating in the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), taking place from September 9 to 13, 2026 at Shougang Park in Beijing.
The international exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, brings together countries, international organisations, companies and institutions to explore cooperation in services trade, technology, investment and emerging sectors of the global economy.
Held under the theme 'Global Services, Shared Prosperity,' CIFTIS has developed into one of the world's largest comprehensive exhibitions focused on trade in services since its establishment in 2012.
The 2026 edition is attracting participation from approximately 90 countries and international organisations, with more than 1,800 companies exhibiting, including 456 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders.
More than 90 companies and institutions are expected to present new products, technologies and services, with several innovations making their global debut or first presentation in China.
The exhibition covers key service sectors including telecommunications, computer and information services, financial services, cultural and tourism services, healthcare, education, sports, engineering consulting, construction services, supply chains and business services.
Rwanda's participation comes at a time when CIFTIS is placing greater emphasis on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green development and cross-border cooperation.
Rwanda's Ambassador to China, Lt Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Karenzi Karake, said China represents a market with significant potential for Rwanda and that continued participation in major exhibitions is helping connect Rwandan businesses with Chinese consumers and investors.
'Our continued participation in major exhibitions across China is helping to increase the visibility of Rwandan products, tourism and other investment opportunities, while connecting our businesses directly with Chinese consumers and investors,' the Ambassador said.
The 2026 exhibition focuses on three major priorities: expanding opening-up, deepening cooperation and driving innovation.
Key areas of discussion include artificial intelligence and intelligent technologies, digital trade, green services, sustainable finance, healthcare, tourism, education and the integration of services with manufacturing.
Nearly 40 percent of innovation cases presented in the 'China Services' exhibition zone involve artificial intelligence, large language models or intelligent agents, highlighting the growing role of technology in reshaping global services.
For Rwanda, the platform provides an opportunity to showcase its growing digital ecosystem, investment climate and ambition to become a regional hub connecting African markets with global businesses.
Rwanda's participation at CIFTIS follows its recent presence at Café Show China, where premium Rwandan coffee brands were presented to Chinese consumers, buyers and industry stakeholders.
Beyond coffee, Rwanda continues to promote other export products including tea, chili, minerals, agricultural commodities and handcrafted products.
The country is also using these platforms to highlight its tourism potential, including mountain gorilla trekking, wildlife experiences, cultural attractions and Rwanda's natural landscapes.
Rwanda to participate in China International Import Expo
Rwanda is also scheduled to participate in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will take place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2026.
Rwanda will organise an investment promotion programme bringing together Chinese business leaders, investors and institutions to explore opportunities in priority sectors.
The CIIE will provide another platform for Rwanda to promote its export products while strengthening awareness of investment opportunities available in areas such as agriculture, tourism, technology, manufacturing and infrastructure.
Amb Lt Gen (Rtd) Karake confirmed that the growing demand for Rwandan specialty coffee and other high-quality products, alongside increasing interest from Chinese companies investing in Rwanda, demonstrates the expanding opportunities created by the partnership between the two countries.
The Ambassador noted that Chinese investors in Rwanda benefit from the country's strategic location, which provides access to the wider East African market and the African continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Rwanda's engagement with China is supported by broader frameworks aimed at increasing market access, encouraging investment and strengthening commercial partnerships.
With exports to China reaching record levels and growing interest from businesses on both sides, Rwanda continues to position its relationship with China as a pathway for expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-targets-bigger-share-of-china-market-as-exports-surge-by-691/
