Rwanda to export avocados to China
Rwanda is putting the final touches on an agreement with China to sign a protocol that will open the door for Rwandan avocados to enter the Chinese market — a move set to deepen the two nations’ growing trade relationship.
The deal marks another milestone in the expanding economic partnership between Kigali and Beijing, which has seen steady progress since Rwanda’s first appearance at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2018.
Over the years, Rwanda has successfully introduced a variety of premium products to China, including coffee, tea, chili, natural honey, macadamia nuts, and handcrafts. The addition of avocados is expected to further diversify Rwanda’s export portfolio to China, whose value has grown from $35 million in 2019 to $160.6 million in 2024.
“The protocol for the export of Rwanda’s avocados to China is expected to be signed soon, expanding the range of Rwandan goods available to Chinese consumers,” the Rwandan Embassy in China said in a statement on Tuesday, November 4.
The announcement coincided with Rwanda’s preparations to take part in the 8th edition of the CIIE, held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10.
“With more than 15 Rwandan brands represented, this year’s participation reaffirms Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with China and to showcasing the best of Rwanda to the global community,” the embassy noted.
Rwanda’s consistent presence at the CIIE has yielded tangible results. Products such as Rwandan coffee and chili have gained popularity among Chinese consumers for their distinctive flavors and natural quality, leading to increased sales on major e-commerce platforms.
According to the embassy, the expo remains a vital platform for Rwanda to promote trade, attract investment, and enhance tourism and cultural exchange, while also highlighting the country’s economic transformation and development ambitions.
“This year’s participation comes amid deepening cooperation between Rwanda and China in trade, investment, and industrial development, guided by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC),” the statement added.
The CIIE has become a gateway for Rwandan enterprises — particularly smallholder farmers and women-led cooperatives — to tap into China’s vast consumer market. Through partnerships established at the expo, many local producers have boosted exports, increased household income, and created new jobs.
“The CIIE has proven to be an invaluable platform for Rwandan enterprises, especially smallholder farmers and women-led cooperatives,” said Ambassador James Kimonyo, Rwanda’s envoy to China. “Each Rwandan product represents a value chain that supports local communities. When Chinese consumers enjoy Rwandan coffee or honey, they are directly supporting families and entrepreneurs in rural Rwanda — this is the shared prosperity we strive for.”
Beyond trade, China remains Rwanda’s largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with investments totaling $460 million in 2024, spanning sectors such as manufacturing, real estate, agro-processing, and mining.
