Rwanda

12 November 2024 - Farai Samhungu Andrew Aziz Peter Donelan
Transforming Rwanda through trade expansion
Rwanda is a landlocked country of some 13.2 million people (as of 2022) located at a high elevation in the Great Rift Valley of Central Africa. It is the fifth most densely populated country in the world and is surrounded by Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania and Uganda. Situated a few degrees south of the equator, Rwanda enjoys a temperate tropical climate and is home to fertile soils and numerous lakes. Rwanda's history has been deeply impacted by the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, which resulted in the loss of more than a million Tutsi lives. However, in recent decades, the country has made significant socioeconomic development progress.
Impact catalogue
Women and trade
MSMEs
Ecommerce
27 April 2022 - Ratnakar Adhikari
Unlocking e-commerce in LDCs: Governments hold the key
The EIF recognises that our contribution to creating a thriving e-commerce ecosystem in LDCs is part and parcel of a bigger effort bringing together the expertise and skills of many others. While some are working together with the private sector, including small businesses, others are working with governments. While some invest in building digital infrastructure, others impart knowledge to build digital skills and yet others provide support to prepare and implement e-commerce policies.
Ecommerce
19 April 2022 - Daniel K. Kalinaki
Rwanda’s cross-border markets boost trade
There is strong evidence that cross-border markets have positively impacted livelihoods through enhanced incomes, including among youth and women. This has positively impacted Karongi District, including the economic welfare of the residents.
EIF Evaluation Series
22 February 2022 - Annabel Sykes and Michelle Kristy
Tracing Rwandan coffee digitally for inclusive trade
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong digital presence has, more than ever, become a key element for small businesses in the coffee sector to access new buyers and benefit from international markets.
Trade facilitation
MSMEs
22 June 2021 - Annette Ssemuwemba
A year of digitalization for women entrepreneurs?
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the trade ecosystem for women in the developing world  
Women and trade
Ecommerce
29 September 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic
Women at the Rwanda border
Most of Rwanda’s cross border traders are women and rely on cross-border trade as their sole source of income. According to a recent assessment by Pro-Femmes/Twese Hamwe, the Rwandan umbrella organisation for women’s associations, most cross border traders have experienced not only a large loss in revenue due to border closures but also a complete depletion of their savings.
Trade facilitation
Women and trade
COVID-19
6 July 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic
Rwanda setting example for electronic waste recycling
Government and private sector worked together to create jobs in new ‘industry’
Environment
Trade policy
11 June 2020
Online discussion: Tourism & COVID-19
Tourism is the backbone of many developing world economies, and the sector is being drastically affected by COVID-19. How can countries weather and recover this crisis? What lessons can we take from the past?
COVID-19
Tourism
12 December 2019 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Is African agriculture waking up?
New report delves into the trade data on agriculture on the continent, finding positive trends, points of concern and suggestions for the future
Agriculture
8 October 2019 - Dale Honeck Susan Snyman
How can we protect African biodiversity via LDC ecotourism?
Solutions, pitfalls and priorities to stimulate ecotourism, preserve wildlife and develop, sustainably
Environment
30 April 2019 - Cécile de Gardelle
H.E. Dr. François Xavier Ngarambe: Aiming for ecommerce success in Rwanda
Following UNCTAD’s Ecommerce Week in April 2019 and on the cusp of a new partnership with EIF to boost ecommerce, Rwanda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva discusses the state of play for online trade in the country
Ecommerce
4 April 2019 - Michelle Kovacevic Violeta Gonzalez Behar
Friendship across borders: When trade brings peace
Businesswomen creating a united front in Rwanda and the DRC
Trade facilitation
Women and trade
8 March 2019 - Deanna Ramsay
Over 10 years, working with and for trade development in LDCs
Addressing trade in its many forms, EIF partnership creating sustainable impacts
Aid for Trade
7 December 2018 - Deanna Ramsay
Monique van Daalen: On women, better business and Rwanda’s trade landscape
Following a recent visit to Rwanda with EIF, Netherlands Ambassador to the WTO and LDC Sub-Committee Chair Monique van Daalen discusses seeing the country’s cross border trade efforts in person, as well as the country’s policy in action
Trade facilitation
Women and trade
6 November 2018 - Deanna Ramsay
In the business of buying and selling across borders, financing for a better future
Funding for traders, for government trade support and for infrastructure means resources at work in critical spaces in Rwanda
Trade facilitation
1 November 2018 - Deanna Ramsay
Crossing borders for better business
In Rwanda, new market centres mean improved trade at the border
Trade facilitation
19 July 2018
Free trade in Africa: How can LDCs benefit?
Increasing trade between African countries offers great potential for building sustainable economic development and integration, including creating higher-wage jobs and unlocking greater business opportunities
Trade facilitation