Rwanda’s fruit exports grew by nearly 61 per cent to $30.6 million in 2023/2024, from $19 million in the previous fiscal year, according to official data. The data is contained in the 2023/2024 report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, which was published recently. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s horticulture exports rise by 29% The revenues in 2023/2024 were generated from more than 34,700 tonnes of fruits sold at international markets, which represents a 58 per cent increase in volume compared to more than 21,900 tonnes exported in 2022/2023. Apart from the rise in the export quantity, there was also a slight increase in prices, overall, as a kilogramme was $0.88 in 2023/2024, up from $0.86 in the previous year, on average, as per the data. The report indicated that fruit exports found significant markets in the DR Congo, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Vietnam. ALSO READ: Rwanda horticulture export prospects high with UAE deal Sada Gakuru, Managing Director of S&I Fresh Ltd, a local horticulture exporting company focused on avocado, told The New Times that fruit exports have indeed registered growth, with the increasing demand. The company, she said, started the business in 2021, by exporting two to three tonnes of avocados a week, and the volume gradually went up to 15 and 20 tonnes a week in 2023/2024. These figures imply that the firm increased its exports by at least six times within four years. As of now, its exports are destined for Dubai, the most populous city in UAE. She said avocado export “is a profitable business”. “Avocado business is expanding significantly, it has potential,” she said, citing factors including people embracing healthy diets that are beneficial to their lives, as one of the reasons for the growing demand for the fruit. ALSO READ: Rwanda flags off first Fuerte avocado variety shipment by sea Overall factors for the growth and plans to sustain it Talking about factors that contributed to the growth, Jean Bosco Mulindi, Emerging Commodities Division Manager at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), told The New Times that the Government and its partners supported farmers in expanding the areas under fruit production; and thereafter, most of the planted trees started yielding. Also, he cited market diversification for Rwandan fruit produce like EU markets which offer higher prices. “Rwandan fruits are competitive in international markets due to their quality; therefore, the demand from the markets and the number of exporters increase year by year,” he said. The market demand for Rwandan fruits mainly focuses on fresh avocados, macadamia nuts, passion fruits, fresh strawberries, and processed fruits like juices, he pointed out. The Government, he indicated, is committed to supporting the intensification of key fruit commodities by modernising their farming practices through the establishment of production hubs at large scale through the valorization of available free lands. Government and partners are supporting farmers with seedlings/planting materials to increase the areas under fruit production, improving postharvest handling facilities, supporting transport by sea, and promoting value addition for market diversification.
