Rwanda

Rwanda

EIF worked with the Government of Rwanda to ensure trade priorities were integrated in the country's Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy 2013-2018. With EIF support, the Ministry of Trade and Industry now has a unit that ensures synergies and sustainability for externally funded partnerships, and that coordinates donor‑funded efforts related to Aid for Trade and investment.

Along with development partners, EIF is working with the Government to implement targeted strategic support with strong emphasis on women's economic empowerment in cross-border trade, and EIF's work in the country has spurred tens of millions of dollars in additional investments by partners.

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EIF in Rwanda at a glance

EIF in Rwanda at a glance
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Cross-border trade trailblazers in Rwanda

Cross-border trade trailblazers in Rwanda

EIF has worked at enabling one unit to effectively steer the in-country EIF process and increase ownership of trade‑related technical assistance. Current effort is focusing on sustaining trade interventions, including through connectivity to global trade markets, increased export base, improved donor coordination and increased resource mobilization leading to a self-reliant economy.

Results:

  • Updated National Export Strategy implementation plans for key export clusters (coffee, tea, mining, horticulture, construction materials, handicrafts, tourism, ICT).
  • Trained 30 staff from the Ministry of Trade and Industry in e‑waste management, consumer protection techniques, project management, trade negotiations and IT.
  • Supported 54 artisan exporters to attend regional trade fairs, and supported 5 exporters to attend international trade fairs in the USA.
  • SOPYRWA, a local company that works with chrysanthemums, received financial support to access markets in Europe and America and, as a results, two major contracts were signed.

EIF is working to improve Rwanda's cross-border business environment by addressing institutional mechanisms, trade-related capacities and trade infrastructure with the aim to improve the earning potential of those engaged in cross‑border trade in Rwanda, of which 74% are women.

Results:

  • Established cross‑border trade coordination unit with six field staff.
  • Constructing cross‑border markets in Cyanika and Karongi.
  • Harmonized data collection systems with those of the National Bank of Rwanda to ensure that accurate trade data is collected and can be used for future planning.
  • Trained 708 cooperative members.

EIF in Rwanda (2016)
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Rwanda Diagnostic Trade Integration Study Update…
Rwanda Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) (…
Rwanda Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS…
Rwanda Action Matrix (2005)
Action Plan: The Integrated Framework Process in…
Rwanda Pilot Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming in…