Rwanda and Brazil have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening trade, facilitating investment and expanding collaboration across multiple sectors, officials said Wednesday.
The agreement was signed Feb. 4, 2026, during the Rwanda–Brazil Economic Cooperation Forum, a meeting focused on deepening economic ties between the two countries.
Rwanda was represented by Jean-Guy Afrika, chief executive officer of the Rwanda Development Board, while Brazil was represented by Jorge Viana, president of APEX-Brazil, the country’s export and investment promotion agency.
Officials said the agreement establishes a clearer framework for cooperation between the two governments, with a focus on promoting trade, easing investment procedures, facilitating business travel and encouraging partnerships in priority sectors.
In addition to the government-to-government agreement, APEX-Brazil signed a separate cooperation deal with the Rwanda Private Sector Federation. The federation was represented by its CEO, Stephen Ruzibiza.
Afrika said the agreement is expected to unlock new opportunities by leveraging the complementary strengths of both economies.
“Rwanda and Brazil are both emerging economies with strong potential and shared interests,” he said. “Brazil brings global expertise in agriculture-based trade, industry and energy, while Rwanda offers a secure and investor-friendly environment with strategic access to East and Central African markets and a fast-growing services sector.”
Brazil’s ambassador to Rwanda, Irene Vida Gala, encouraged Brazilian investors to explore opportunities in Rwanda, describing the forum as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
The Rwanda–Brazil Economic Cooperation Forum was organized by the Rwanda Development Board in partnership with APEX-Brazil. It aims to promote trade, investment and economic collaboration, including stronger links between private sector actors in both countries.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Brazil date back to 1981. Over the years, the two countries have signed several agreements, including a Bilateral Air Service Agreement in 2019 and a food security cooperation agreement in 2011.
Brazil is the world’s leading producer of coffee, soybeans, sugarcane and oranges. Since 2022, Rwanda has increased imports of wheat from Brazil following a decline in supplies from Ukraine. Rwanda also imports sugar from Brazil.
