Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
By Gerald Mbanda
Made in Rwanda” products at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2024 in Shanghai-China. Source: rwandainchina.gov.rw
In recent years, the economic partnership between China and Rwanda has flourished into a dynamic and multifaceted relationship, characterized by significant investments, collaborative infrastructure projects, and expanding trade ties. This collaboration is not only transforming Rwanda’s economic landscape but also positioning it as a pivotal player in Africa’s development.
In 2024, China’s investments in Rwanda reached US$460million, becoming the largest source of foreign investment in Rwanda, while bilateral trade volume reached a record high of $670 million reflecting a mutually beneficial relationship; revealed Chinese embassy officials in Kigali in a recent press conference led by the Charge d’Affairs a.i, Ms. Lin Hang revealed. China remains number one trading partner with Rwanda.
Since 2019, China has invested over $1.2 billion in Rwanda, making it one of the country’s leading foreign investors. These investments span various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, mining, agriculture, reflecting China’s commitment to Rwanda’s economic growth.
In November last year, Rwandan companies show cased “Made in Rwanda” products at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai.The Rwandan delegation was led by Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi, and included representatives from 11 companies. These exhibitors presented a diverse range of products, including specialty coffee, premium tea, organic honey, chili, and artisanal crafts. The CIIE serves as a premier platform for countries to introduce their products to the vast Chinese market.
On Wednesday this week when I had an opportunity to meet with Mr. Gao Zhiqiang, the Counselor in charge of trade and investment, who was accompanied by Mr. Li Jiahui, he informed that during the 2024 CIIE, all the Rwandan coffee and tea was sold out in very short time. Rwandan chili is also on high demand in China, and the challenge is on Rwandan exporters to meet the vast Chinese market, Mr. Gao said. The CIIE has been instrumental in increasing Rwanda’s exports to China.Since the country’s first participation in 2018, Rwandan exports to China have grown significantly, from $28.9 million in 2017 to $70.5 million in 2022.This growth underscores the importance of such international platforms in expanding Rwanda’s trade relations.
Beyond showcasing products, Rwanda’s participation in the CIIE also aimed to promote its investment opportunities and tourism attractions. The expo provided a platform for Rwandan companies to network with Chinese businesses, fostering potential partnerships and collaborations. Additionally, cultural performances, such as traditional Rwandan dances, were organized to enhance cultural exchange and deepen bilateral ties between Rwanda and China.
Rwanda’s active participation in the 2024 CIIE reflects its commitment to strengthening economic ties with China and expanding its presence in the global market.The expo not only facilitated trade but also opened avenues for investment and cultural exchange, contributing to Rwanda’s broader economic and diplomatic objectives.
Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of China-Rwanda cooperation. Some of the most impactful projects include the Kigali Ring Road, a 42-kilometer route encircling the capital that has significantly improved urban mobility and connectivity. Another major initiative is the BugeseraAirport Highway—a 13-kilometer road that reduced travel time between Kigali and Bugesera District from 90 minutes to just 40 minutes. Additionally, China supported the extensive renovation of MasakaHospital, which has now been transformed into an 837-bed facility that forms part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK). These projects not only enhance Rwanda’s infrastructure but also provide thousands of employment opportunities, spur local development, and improve access to essential services.
China’s impact in Rwanda extends beyond hard infrastructure. In agriculture, it has introduced transformative technologies and techniques. One prominent example is the Juncao mushroom cultivation technique, which has improved the livelihoods of over 35,000 Rwandan farmers. The introduction of high-yield, low-cost mushroom farming is helping to address food security while creating new income streams. In addition, the export of dried chili peppers to China has opened new international markets for Rwandan farmers, with expectations to export 50,000 metric tons over five years—a move that signals the growing agricultural trade between the two countries.
Digital commerce is another area where the China-Rwanda partnership is bearing fruit. The launch of the Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) in Kigali in 2018, initiated by Alibaba Group, marked a significant shift toward digitizing trade and expanding global market access for Rwandan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through this platform, Rwandan products such as coffee and tea are reaching consumers in China and beyond. A particularly successful moment occurred when Rwanda’s ambassador to China sold 3,000 kilograms of Rwandan coffee in less than a minute during a live-streamed e-commerce event. Such examples illustrate how digital trade can accelerate exports and create new economic opportunities.
Education and skills development have also benefited from Chinese support. Rwanda has seen an increasing number of its students receive scholarships to study in China, particularly in fields like engineering, agriculture, medicine, and information technology. These opportunities not only enhance human capital but also strengthen long-term ties between the two countries through people-to-people connections. Beyond scholarships, Chinese vocational training programs and joint research initiatives are building capacity and advancing innovation within Rwanda.
As the relationship continues to evolve, future cooperation looks promising. In March 2024, the ninth session of the Rwanda-China Joint Committee on Economic, Technical, and Trade Cooperation (JETTCO) reaffirmed both countries’ shared commitment to deepening their partnership. The committee identified ongoing and upcoming projects worth over $600 million, including the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant and the Smart Education Project. These initiatives align with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, ensuring that future collaborations are both strategic and sustainable.
The growing business and investment relationship between China and Rwanda is an example of successful South-South cooperation. Strategic investments, joint ventures, and a shared developmental vision are helping Rwanda accelerate its socio-economic transformation. As China continues to seek new frontiers for global partnerships and Rwanda builds its knowledge-based economy, their partnership stands as a model for other nations aiming to foster inclusive, equitable, and forward-looking economic growth.
