The Rwanda Exporters Development Program (REDP) provides Rwandan exporters with a variety of resources, including technical assistance and the opportunity to enhance their export capacities.

The traditional commodities that Rwanda exports, including coffee, tea, and minerals, continue to have a high level of demand in markets both regional and international. It is estimated that 55.3% of the workforce in the tourism industry is comprised of women. One of the most important commercially viable industries in Rwanda is the tourism sector, which possesses a massive potential for expansion.

A survey of both Rwanda’s domestic and international markets suggests that Rwanda’s non-traditional exports have potential in both arenas. Rwanda’s non-traditional exports include things like live animals and animal products, vegetables, agro-processed items, and manufactured goods, as well as hides and skins.

The “Made in Rwanda” campaign was launched by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Rwanda to reduce the country’s trade deficit while simultaneously promoting locally produced items.

When a product is exported, the exporter is obligated to provide the standard requirements for the product, which must be approved by the Rwanda Bureau of Standards.

Export market penetration strategies

• Participation in exhibitions
• Trade missions for market linkages
• Market information gathering

Services beneficial to women exporters

• NAEB pays for the exhibition booth/stands
• Maintaining transportation for market linking travels on occasion.

Export procedure

You can begin using the Rwanda Bureau of Standards services once you have successfully registered and received your company registration number (RBS).

If your strategy involves the export of coffee, you are also required to register with the National Agricultural Export Promotion Board (NAEB), an organization that offers support services that are particularly focused on coffee and horticulture exports. If you want to export tea or other horticultural products, you have the option of registering with NAEB so that you can benefit from the assistance that it provides.

Only coffee exporters are now subject to fees and required registration. You must send a formal letter to NAEB asking for registration if you want to get an export license and exporter ID code from them. The following records must be enclosed with the letter:

• Business registration number RDB

• A business plan outlining your ability to export and store goods (Note: a minimum of 50 tones are required to be granted an export license)

• A copy of the company’s exporting contract with a foreign buyer. If NAEB accepts your application, they will get in touch with you to schedule a site visit within one working day.

More details 

The accuracy of the statements stated in the paper application is evaluated by inspectors. An export code will be sent to you if you complete this phase.

Every year, export codes are refreshed. NAEB levies a tax equal to 3% of the gross export value of coffee for each shipment.

In addition, if fertilizers or pesticides given by the NAEB were used in the production of the coffee, a price of RWF 97 per kilo and RWF 11 per kilo, respectively, would be imposed.

All NAEB services, such as the issue of certificates and technical training, are covered by these costs.

Note: NAEB offers free assistance to exporters of tea and horticulture. For these sectors, NAEB registration is not currently required.

The government still encourages horticulture exports, but there may be taxes for some product categories and mandatory registration.

Documents required 

• Export Customs Clearance documents;
• Customs Entry document;
• Customs bond
• Legal Undertaking
• Customs declarations 
• Export License
• Certificate of Origin
• Insurance Certificate
• Certificates of inspection (Description of goods, Technical specifications, Quantity, Price, Payment terms, Delivery time, etc).
• The assurance of payment (confirm with your bank on validity)