Rwanda Targets Industrial Growth to Boost Exports and Strengthen Currency

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, has outlined new strategies aimed at boosting Rwanda’s industrial output and reducing the trade deficit.

Speaking to the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Minister Sebahizi emphasized that supporting investors and closely monitoring industrial projects will be key to achieving these goals. “If we increase the productivity of our products, it reduces the gap between what we export and what we import. When that gap narrows, our currency becomes more valuable,” he said.

The minister explained that the government is prioritizing the creation of favorable conditions for investors through the establishment of industrial zones and the development of essential infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity. “We monitor investors on a daily basis to ensure progress,” he added.

According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Rwanda aims to increase exports from $4.2 billion in the 2024/25 fiscal year to $4.9 billion by 2026. The country also seeks to boost industrial growth from the current 3% to 10%.

Recent data shows that Rwanda’s industrial revenue has grown from $3.3 billion to $3.4 billion. Food processing leads the manufacturing sector, accounting for 24% of output, followed by beverages and tobacco (29%), machinery and hardware (8%), textiles and leather (8%), and furniture and office equipment (7%). Minerals represent another 8% of the country’s industrial production.

Minister Sebahizi reiterated that the trade and industrial development policy will continue to focus on promoting “Made in Rwanda” products as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth.