The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to evaluate Rwanda’s progress, identify existing challenges, and propose strategies to maximize opportunities offered by AfCFTA. The session focused particularly on examining how Rwanda is performing in the trade of tangible goods as well as in service sectors such as finance, transport, tourism, and digital services.

Organized by the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), the meeting reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that Rwanda fully benefits from Africa’s largest free trade framework.

Participants reviewed findings from a draft national assessment report, which analyzes Rwanda’s export potential, competitiveness, and readiness to engage more effectively in intra-African trade. The report also highlights regulatory frameworks, infrastructure gaps, and capacity needs that could impact Rwanda’s trade performance under AfCFTA.

Speaking during the meeting, officials emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking in strengthening Rwanda’s trade position across the continent. They noted that AfCFTA presents a unique opportunity for Rwanda to expand its markets beyond traditional partners and tap into a broader African consumer base of over 1.3 billion people.

Discussions also explored ways to enhance value addition in key export sectors, improve standards compliance, and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of cross-border trade opportunities. Experts stressed that strengthening logistics systems and reducing non-tariff barriers will be critical in improving Rwanda’s competitiveness.

The Musanze meeting is part of a broader national effort to align Rwanda’s trade policies with AfCFTA protocols, ensuring that both goods and services sectors are well positioned to benefit from the agreement.

As Rwanda continues to implement AfCFTA commitments, such consultations are expected to play a vital role in shaping informed strategies that will drive economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.