Coffee was introduced to Rwanda by Germans in early 1900s. It has traditionally been the country’s most important export. Rwanda coffee plays a major role in the economy of the earnings and to the monetization of the rural economy.country, contributing significantly to foreign exchange
Currently, 400,000 small holder farm families produce it and depend on it for their livelihoods. 97% of Rwandan coffee production is arabica mainly bourbon type while robusta accounts for 3%.
Tea growing in Rwanda started in 1952 and has contributed immensely to foreign exchange earnings over years.
Rwandan tea is planted on hillsides at a high altitude between 1,900m and 2,500m, and on well drained marshes at an altitude of between 1,550m and 1,800m. Tea production increased steadily over the past decades from about 5,000 tons of made tea in 1980 to over 40,000 tons by June 2024
Mining in Rwanda started in the early 1930’s;since then the mining sector has undergone wide reforms and has now emerged as the highest foreign export earner in merchandise exports
By 2023, the mining sector generated $1.1 billion in export earnings, up from $373.4 million in 2017.
Agroprocessing in Rwanda is a flourishing sector that is supported by a good supply of locally available raw materials abundantly produced by the increasingly growing Agriculture sector, which contributes a third of Rwanda’s GDP.
This sector has seen an adoption of improved and validated food processing technologies, enforcement of good standards of quality, hygiene and regulatory instruments which have assisted local agro-processing industries to compete favorably in the market place. The agroprocessing sector consists of processing locally available raw materials to produce products such as: wine, beer, soft drinks, flour, rice, honey, cooking oil, etc.
Horticulture sector is characterized by an ideal climate, fertile soil and an abundant, hardworking labor force.
The potential to develop a vibrant Horticulture industry in Rwanda is undoubtedly on the move.
Rwanda has a strong competitive base that hinges on its comparative advantages such as soil, abundant water resource, and abundant cheap labor force that are used to produce quality and competitive horticulture products sold on the regional and international markets.
Handcraft sector is a small but growing sector in Rwanda. Rwandan handcrafts depict the true African culture.
The country boasts of a very rich cultural heritage. Rwandan handicrafts are very unique and original.
These Rwandan handicrafts are available on a variety of online sites and in the local markets as well.
Manufacturing sector in Rwanda has experienced a steady growth over years in terms of its contribution to GDP, but also its enhanced competitiveness result in high quality industrial productivity and products that meet international standards.
The sector is characterized by gradual diversification from minor to more value-adding activities in other sections such as construction materials and fast moving consumer goods.
