EXPO 2026: Rwanda’s Private Sector Urged to Boost Exports and Strengthen Made-in-Rwanda Products

Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) has urged the private sector to increase domestic production and expand exports as the country seeks to strengthen its economy, reduce dependence on imports and narrow the trade deficit. The call was made on August 14, 2026, during the official closing and awards ceremony of the 29th Rwanda International Trade Fair, EXPO 2026, organized in partnership with the Private Sector Federation (PSF). Permanent Secretary at MINICOM, Chantal Tuyishimire, challenged local businesses to focus on producing high-quality goods that can compete not only in R

Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) has urged the private sector to increase domestic production and expand exports as the country seeks to strengthen its economy, reduce dependence on imports and narrow the trade deficit. The call was made on August 14, 2026, during the official closing and awards ceremony of the 29th Rwanda International Trade Fair, EXPO 2026, organized in partnership with the Private Sector Federation (PSF). Permanent Secretary at MINICOM, Chantal Tuyishimire, challenged local businesses to focus on producing high-quality goods that can compete not only in Rwanda but also on international markets. She emphasized that the “Made in Rwanda” initiative should not be limited to food and clothing, but should cover a much broader range of products manufactured locally. «“There are still many products we import that we can produce ourselves. We all have a responsibility to work together to reduce these imports,” Tuyishimire said.» She added that Rwanda has significant potential to become a stronger exporter if local businesses continue improving the quality and competitiveness of their products. According to Tuyishimire, trade fairs such as EXPO provide an important platform for businesses to connect with consumers, understand market needs and prepare for international markets. She also linked the private sector’s role to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation II (NST2), noting that the country still faces a significant gap between the value of goods it exports and those it imports. Tuyishimire said increasing exports can contribute to economic growth, create employment opportunities and help strengthen the value of the national currency. “There is no country that has developed without the private sector playing a major role in its development,” she said, emphasizing the importance of continued investment and innovation by Rwandan businesses. Businesses Recognized for Performance PSF President François Twagirumukiza commended businesses that participated in EXPO 2026, particularly those that demonstrated strong customer service and presented quality products. He thanked exhibitors for their contribution to the successful organization of the trade fair and encouraged businesses to maintain high standards as they seek to expand their markets. Jibu Rwanda, represented by its Managing Director Bruno Tuyisenge, won the overall EXPO 2026 award. Tuyisenge said the company gained valuable lessons from interacting directly with consumers. He noted that the exhibition helped the company better understand the questions and expectations customers have about its products while also providing an opportunity to observe how businesses engage with their markets. Mwamikazi Theonestine, who was among the top-performing exhibitors, said the recognition had given her additional motivation to expand her business. She said the award showed her that the impact of a private business can go beyond its owners and contribute to the wider development of the country. EXPO Attracted Hundreds of Exhibitors PSF said EXPO 2026 brought together 494 exhibitors, including 373 Rwandan businesses and 121 exhibitors from 14 different countries. Although the official closing ceremony took place on August 14, the exhibition itself was scheduled to continue until August 17, giving visitors additional time to explore the products and services on display. Beyond awards and recognition, EXPO 2026 highlighted a broader economic message: Rwanda wants its private sector to move from primarily serving the domestic market to becoming a stronger force in regional and global trade. For local businesses, the challenge now is to turn the opportunities created by trade fairs into stronger production capacity, better-quality products and increased exports.