Horticulture and Export Crops in Rwanda
A week of exports
NAEB publishes agricultural export earnings every week. In the week of 26 to 30 October 2026, Rwanda shipped 9,486 tonnes worth USD 11.1 million:
| Product group | Value, USD |
|---|---|
| Coffee | 4,246,079 |
| Tea | 1,148,178 |
| Fruits | 625,670 |
| Vegetables | 344,387 |
| Flowers | 53,828 |
| Other crops and animal products | 4,729,399 |
| Total | 11,147,542 |
Rwanda Fresh
Rwanda Fresh is NAEB’s export brand for horticulture. It covers four groups: vegetables, fruits, nuts and flowers. Processed exports under the brand include pineapple, mango and passion fruit juice, dried pineapple, dried and canned vegetables, and tomato and strawberry jams.
New orchards for export
Under the Promoting Smallholder Agro-Export Competitiveness Project (PSAC), co-funded by the Government and IFAD, NAEB is expanding three export crops over four years:
| Crop | Area | Seedlings | Districts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avocado | 800 ha | 240,000 | Rusizi, Huye, Nyanza, Rwamagana, Bugesera |
| Mango | 200 ha | 60,000 | Rusizi, Bugesera |
| Macadamia | 100 ha | 102,000 | Nyamasheke, Karongi, Rusizi, Rutsiro, Rwamagana |
The avocado programme alone involves about 1,600 smallholders, and the mango programme at least 400.
Where investors fit in
- Pack houses, grading and certification for export markets.
- Cold rooms and refrigerated transport from farm to airport.
- Outgrower schemes that supply exporters on contract.
- Processing of fruit and nuts into oil, pulp, dried and frozen products.
- Greenhouse flowers and vegetables close to Kigali airport.
Fresh produce needs phytosanitary certificates for each shipment, and many buyers ask for private quality standards as well. Air freight space and cost are a major part of the business case; see the logistics pages before you plan volumes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What horticultural products does Rwanda export?
Fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and nuts, mostly by air through Kigali.
What is Rwanda Fresh?
NAEB’s export brand for horticulture. It covers four groups: vegetables, fruits, nuts and flowers.
Which new orchards are being planted?
Under the PSAC project with IFAD, 800 ha of avocado, 200 ha of mango and 100 ha of macadamia for export.
What does each fresh produce shipment need?
A phytosanitary certificate. Many buyers also ask for private quality standards.
Sources
- National Agricultural Export Development Board: Agricultural exports surpass USD 1 billion
- National Agricultural Export Development Board: Home page and weekly export data
- National Agricultural Export Development Board: Expansion of avocado, mango and macadamia plantations
- National Agricultural Export Development Board: About Rwanda Fresh
- Rwanda Development Board: Agriculture investment opportunities
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
