Agriculture is a major economic sector for the people of Rwanda, employing about 70% of the total population. The industry contributes about 31% to GDP, and it stands out as one of the most strategic sectors in Rwanda’s development. It accounts for a more significant part of the foreign exchange earnings from the exports of products, including; coffee, tea, hides and skins, pyrethrum, and horticulture. 75% of Rwanda’s agricultural production comes from smallholder farmers.
Rwanda’s principal crops include coffee, pyrethrum, tea, flowers, beans, cassava banana, Irish potatoes, rice, wheat, sugarcane, among others. About 61% of Rwandan soil is suitable for agriculture as the soils are fertile. The Government of Rwanda is tangibly committed to boosting the development of the country’s agri-sector. It has invested considerably in infrastructure, responsive institutions, inclusive markets, and innovation &extension while creating an enabling environment for private sector investment. Meanwhile, investment opportunities exist in the following: Dairy, Poultry, Meat processing, Horticulture, Aquaculture, Mechanization, crop sourcing, blockchain, Agro-tourism, manufacturing of irrigation equipment, and cold chain logistics.
Incentives for investors in the sector
Fiscal incentives offered:
- Duty-free importation of all inputs
- Tax exemption for agriculture equipment
- 50% reduction in corporate income tax, if you are a registered investor exporting 50% of the turnover of products produced in Rwanda
- 7-year tax holiday for export-oriented registered investment projects
Non-fiscal incentives:
- One-stop center facilitation for registered investors
- Aftercare services with a focal point person following up on your project
