Rwanda exports more than $1.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates

From just over $951.2 million in 2023 to over $1.55 billion (about Rwf2.2 trillion) in 2024, Rwanda’s exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) grew by 63.9%, according to the Rwanda Development Board’s 2024 report. According to the report, a major factor propelling Rwanda’s overall products export performance was the robust increase in sales to the United Arab Emirates.

According to the research, the United Arab Emirates continues to be Rwanda’s biggest overseas market, providing 63.9% of Rwanda’s exports of commodities in 2024.

Compared to 2023, when it was 56.9% of the nation’s [formal] goods exports, the data suggests that the UAE’s share has increased by 7%.

In 2024, Rwanda’s total goods exports reached over $3.2 billion (about Rwf4.5 trillion), an increase of nearly 30% from 2023’s total of over $2.46 billion. Informal cross-border commerce (ICBT) is included in the figure, according RDB. The UAE does not include ICBT in its share.

DR Congo was in second place, behind the United Arab Emirates, in terms of exports per country of destination in 2024, with $229.5 million, up 32.3% from $173.5 million the year before.

In 2024, Rwanda’s third-largest export destination was China, with $83.6 million, down 0.4% from $83.9 million in 2023.

According to the report, Rwanda’s excellent market diversification and growing worldwide presence are seen in the impressive 23.8% increase in exports to Luxembourg, which rose to $55.4 million in 2024 from $16.1 million the year before.

The paper claims that Rwanda’s increasing market share in East Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Luxembourg is bolstering its standing in international trade.

Which factors contribute to the increase of exports overall?

Due in large part to increased capacity on important cargo markets, export cargo increased by 33% in 2024 compared to 2023.

With a 33% growth in cargo tonnage from 4,595 tonnes in 2023 to 6,113 tonnes in 2024, main destinations for national carrier RwandAir included the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, enabling exporters to access global markets.

As said, more frequency on international and regional routes, especially to the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, enhanced cargo capacity. According to the article, Djibouti also saw the start of operations.

Interline partnerships, which made it easier to move more freight to and from locations where RwandAir does not have direct flights, are another factor contributing to this.

Through customized facilitation, increased market access, practical coaching, and digital trade solutions, RDB is strengthening support for firms in order to propel Rwanda’s export expansion.

243 businesses in the manufacturing, horticultural, agro-processing, services, and handicraft sectors were therefore made easier to reach both domestic and foreign export markets.

Consequently, these enterprises in the manufacturing, horticulture, and agro-processing sectors generated over $164 million in export revenues.

According to the research, Rwanda’s ability to manufacture and export high-value goods and services is growing as a result of the expansion of Kigali and Bugesera special economic zones, which also continues to generate industrial growth possibilities and innovation. According to the research, Rwanda received $4.2 billion (about Rwf6 trillion) in total exports in 2024, a 22% rise from just over $3.5 billion in 2023.

Exports of products totaled over $3.2 billion, while exports of services totaled just over $1.078 billion. In 2023, services exports earned little over $1.043 billion, a nearly 3.4% rise.