RwandaArticleDigitalization
The global demand for spices and seasonings is expected to grow by 5% between 2018 and 2024, driven by a growing population, rising middle class, and changing diets. Rwanda offers a favourable business climate, with supportive government policies, abundant land, and water resources, and a growing production of chilli and ginger for export. The country’s success in tea and coffee cultivation also points to the potential for spice production. Although there is limited expertise, processing capacity, and financial resources for spice cultivation, the government has made efforts to support the sector with large-scale irrigation projects and incentives for investors. As a result, Rwanda presents a viable investment opportunity for Dutch businesses seeking long-term partners for constant supplies of spices.
The Rwandan government has set the objective to reach an upper-middle-income status by 2035. The government’s economic growth strategy aims at boosting volumes and value of exported goods in the agricultural sector. This strategy is focusing on increasing productivity and creating added value.
Opportunities for Dutch companies
Rwanda presents attractive investment opportunities for Dutch businesses in the spices and herbs sector.
The main spices and herbs produced and consumed in Rwanda are chilli, ginger and garlic. Multiple other spices are imported from neighbouring countries. While chilli is a significant export, ginger export production has only just started in 2019. The obtained yields at small-scale farms remain low due to insufficient training, irrigation, and access to agricultural inputs for small-scale farmers. Opportunities lie in improving production, processing, and business models/financing, with specific prospects identified based on specific crops on climatic, labor, and market conditions in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s spice and herb production is in its early stages, presenting an opportunity for Dutch investors due to limited expertise, processing capacity, and financial resources. The Rwandan government has initiated large-scale irrigation projects for export producers and provides a favorable business climate, offering incentive packages like duty-free imports for essential equipment and materials.
For more detailed information on opportunities in the herbs and spices sector in Rwanda, be sure to download the report. Reach out to TRAIDE Rwanda if you need more information at [email protected].
