Rwanda’s gains from AfCFTA

Since the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Kigali in March 2018, Rwanda has made significant strides in leveraging the agreement to expand trade across the continent. Over the past four years, Rwanda has exported goods worth more than 1.2 billion Rwandan francs to 10 African countries, demonstrating the tangible benefits of regional integration.

The AfCFTA aims to ease trade among African nations by gradually removing tariffs on 90% of goods by 2034. Before its adoption, intra‑African trade was strikingly low only 16.6% between 2015 and 2017 compared to 60% with Europe and 50% with Asia. The agreement seeks to close this gap and strengthen Africa’s economic independence.

Rwanda has embraced AfCFTA’s opportunities, exporting agricultural and horticultural products to countries such as Ghana and Congo‑Brazzaville.

Igire Continental Trading Company has pioneered collective exports, pooling goods from multiple Rwandan businesses and shipping them together to Ghana.

Exporters like Harerimana Emmanuel have tapped into Congo‑Brazzaville’s market, though challenges remain, such as the lack of cold storage facilities at local airports.

Discussions are underway to expand exports to Botswana and Nigeria.

While AfCFTA has opened doors, exporters face hurdles including infrastructure gaps and global disruptions like wars and supply chain crises. Leaders such as Rukundo Robert emphasize that Africa must strengthen intra‑continental trade to remain resilient during global shocks.