TradeMark Africa (Rwanda)

Rwanda has made great strides in social and economic development over the past two decades. The country has climbed international rankings on governance, anti-corruption, gender, competitiveness and doing business. Over the past 5 years, GDP grew on average 7% per year and exports of goods and services increased their share of GDP from 11% to 17%.

As a land locked country, however, Rwanda faces economic challenges including a high trade deficit, high cost of transport and energy and a large population dependent on subsistence agriculture. To address these challenges, the Government of Rwanda’s vision 2020 sets out a strategy for inclusive growth by transforming Rwanda through increased trade, export diversification and deeper regional integration.

Rwanda faces structural economic challenges, which inhibit competitiveness and export capability. To address this challenge, Rwanda is expected to improve production in agribusiness; tap into export markets, and support reduction in the prices of goods by an overall growth in trade. There is an opportunity to shift from a low-income, agrarian society to a knowledge- based, service-oriented economy with a well-developed manufacturing sector.

In Strategy 2, TMEA will continue its support to the public sector through reforms focusing on adoption of efficient procedures and systems. It will continue work with business and upscale its transformational work with women. Infrastructure development will also continue to improve Rwanda’s connectivity with its key trading partners in East Africa and beyond.