Taste of Rwanda: Supporting UK–Rwanda Agri-Food Trade

Written By George Meadows

Client: British High Commission Kigali, Rwanda Development Board and National Agricultural Export Development Board 

Challenge: 
Rwanda sought to strengthen its positioning as a supplier of high-quality agricultural produce to the UK market and connect Rwandan exporters with qualified UK buyers. Agriculture contributes 31 percent of Rwanda’s GDP, with coffee and tea exports valued at $112 million and $82 million respectively in 2022  

The objective was to support UK–Rwanda trade corridors and facilitate commercial engagement between buyers and exporters. 

Our approach: 
Invest Africa worked over the course of three months to support Rwanda’s agricultural exports to the UK  

This included: 

  • Identifying UK buyers in relevant sectors through desk and primary research  

  • Conducting buyer interviews to gather insights on procurement practices, certifications, demand trends and supply chain challenges  

  • Delivering targeted marketing and outreach, including collateral, official invitations and engagement with sector associations  

  • Hosting the “Taste of Rwanda” event in London on 15 October, welcoming over 75 participants including Rwandan exporters and UK buyers  

  • Facilitating B2B matchmaking sessions between UK buyers and Rwandan exporters  

Impact: 

  • Generated over $2.5 million in sales following the event  

  • Engaged over 125 stakeholders throughout the mission  

  • 80 percent of exporters responded “very satisfied” in post-event feedback  

Read the full report here.

George Meadows
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