Agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda's economy and is vital for the country's socio-economic transformation as it aims to become a knowledge-based, high-income economy by 2050. Nearly 69% of Rwandan households are engaged in agriculture1, according to the Fifth Population and Housing Census (2022), and around 400,000 people are employed in agri-food systems2. This sector is crucial not only for economic growth but also for social transformation, women's economic empowerment, and youth employment. From 2017 to 2024, agricultural development contributed significantly to poverty reduction, bringing the poverty rate down from 39.8% to 27.4%3, (EICV 7).

In 2024, agriculture accounted for 25% of Rwanda's GDP4 (National Accounts 2024) and approximately 34% of exports (MINAGRI Annual Report, 20223/24). As Rwanda aims to achieve upper-middle income status by 2035 and high-income economy by 2050, the agriculture sector will continue to play a critical role in driving economic growth and reducing poverty.

The Government of Rwanda recently completed its Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5) for 2024-2029, themed "Building resilient and sustainable agri-food systems." PSTA 5 builds on the "Planning for Wealth" agenda of the previous strategy, PSTA 4, with the continued aim of transforming agriculture into a prosperous, green, and market-driven sector.

To support this transformation, Rwanda is fostering both foreign and domestic investments by creating an attractive business environment. Through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country offers financial and non-financial incentives under the Investment Law (No. 006/2021 of 05 February 2021). Investors can easily set up their businesses in less than 24 hours via RDB's digital one-stop center.

The Hand in Hand (HIH) initiative in Rwanda complements the Rwanda Legacy Programme, launched during the African Food Summit held in Kigali from 2-6 September 2024. It focuses on seven value chains, including tea, coffee, Irish potato, avocado, chili, pig and poultry.

Agriculture: Focusing on crops like Tea, coffee, avocados, chili, and Irish potato, this component leverages public-private partnerships (PPPs) and innovative business models to engage youth in agri-food value chains, incorporating agri-tech and fintech.

Animal resources: This component aims to transform the pig and poultry sectors through a public-private partnership approach, enhancing both nutrition and export potential.

Innovative Finance: Includes a risk-sharing facility (RSF) and catalytic financing for agri-food SMEs, linked to the agricultural and animal resources components, to foster financial innovation and support sector growth.

These initiatives together reinforce Rwanda's vision of a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector