Rwanda has launched a special program to export consolidated goods, through agreements established under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The program kicked-off Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Kigali International Airport.
Different products including coffee, tea, honey, and avocado fruits weighing over 900 kilograms were airlifted. This cargo specifically included 400 kilograms of coffee, 400 kilograms of tea, 100 liters of avocado oil, and 50 liters of honey was sent to Ghana for sale in West Africa.
Claude Bizimana, the Director General of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), said that this aims to facilitate entrepreneurs. Noting that NAEB is committed to supporting Rwanda’s export sector and ensuring that many businesses can benefit from market access initiatives like AfCFTA.
“This program aims to bring entrepreneurs together for the benefit of consolidated trade, enhancing cooperation, accessing African markets, and promoting value addition for agricultural products exported abroad.” He said.
“This is the beginning of many export projects that will contribute to the economic growth of Rwanda.” Bizimana observed.
The AfCFTA agreement was signed in Kigali in March 2018.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicates that between 2015 and 2017, trade among African countries was only at 16.6%, while trade between Africa and Europe was at 60%, and between Africa and Asia at about 50%.
AfCFTA aims to address and eliminate barriers such as tariffs, regulations, and other challenges that have hindered trade within Africa.
The agreement establishes that 90% of goods will be exempt from tariffs when traded among African countries and produced on the continent, with a target to achieve this by at least 2034.
At that time, Africa is projected to have a population of 1.8 billion people, up from the 1.3 billion currently.
As the African Continental Free Trade Area progresses, it is expected to boost the continent’s economy and create over 100 million jobs across the region.
