Rwanda’s Trade and Investment Agreements
Regional and multilateral agreements
| Agreement | What it gives a company in Rwanda |
|---|---|
| East African Community (EAC), since 2007 | Customs union and common market with seven other partner states |
| COMESA, 21 members | Preferential terms of trade between members |
| African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in force May 2019 | Lower duties across the countries that apply it |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | Most-favoured-nation treatment with all WTO members |
| Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) | Cooperation with Burundi and the DRC |
| Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) | Rwanda withdrew in June 2025 |
Source: International Trade Administration: Rwanda, trade agreements1
Preferences in large export markets
- European Union: Rwandan exports qualify for the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences. The EAC–EU Economic Partnership Agreement has been signed but is not in force.
- United Kingdom: Rwandan exports qualify for the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
- China: certain Rwandan exports qualify for China’s zero-tariff programme for African countries.
- United States: a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement was signed in 2006 and a bilateral investment treaty in 2008.
Bilateral investment treaties
| Status | Partners |
|---|---|
| In force | United States (2008), Germany (1969), Belgium–Luxembourg Economic Union (1985), Korea (2013), United Arab Emirates (2017), Singapore (2018) |
| Signed, not yet in force | South Africa (2000), Mauritius (2001), Türkiye (2016), Morocco (2016), Qatar (2018), Central African Republic (2019), DRC (2021) |
Source: International Trade Administration: Rwanda, trade agreements1
An investment treaty protects investors from that country against expropriation without compensation and lets them take disputes to international arbitration. Check whether your home country, or the country of your holding company, has one in force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trade blocs is Rwanda a member of?
Rwanda is a member of the East African Community since 2007, of COMESA, which has 21 members, and of the African Continental Free Trade Area. It joined the Commonwealth in 2009.
How many bilateral investment treaties does Rwanda have in force?
Six bilateral investment treaties are in force, including one with the United States. Others have been signed and are still waiting to enter into force.
Do Rwandan exports get preferential access abroad?
Yes. Rwandan exports qualify for preference schemes in the European Union, the United Kingdom and China. With the United States, Rwanda signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in 2006 and a bilateral investment treaty in 2008.
Sources
Figures checked 8 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.
