Rwanda drives horticulture boom and prepares for GM crops

RWANDA – Since it began exporting in 2016, Garden Fresh, a local horticultural exporter, has experienced steady growth, becoming a key player in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

The company’s annual export value has grown from less than US$1 million to more than US$3.5 million today, while its export volume rose from 200 to 1,000 tonnes per year. Its workforce has expanded from 50 to 500 employees, supplying French beans, chilli, broccoli, avocados, and passion fruits to markets in Europe and the Gulf.

“We started small, but consistent quality and strong partnerships opened doors for us,” said a Garden Fresh spokesperson. “Today, our produce reaches homes across continents, and we continue to look for ways to improve.”

Garden Fresh’s progress mirrors the broader transformation of Rwanda’s horticulture industry. Export revenues surged from US$5.8 million in 2015/16 to US$86.2 million in 2024/25. Vegetable exports alone increased from 51,680 tonnes in 2022/23 to 69,330 tonnes in 2024/25, boosting earnings proportionally.

Industry experts credit this expansion to significant investments in irrigation, better seeds, and expanded cold-chain infrastructure, including increased cold storage and more refrigerated trucks.

Government initiatives, such as subsidized freight, sea-freight trials, and partnerships with RwandAir, have strengthened market access across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Despite challenges like high post-harvest losses and limited financing for irrigation, national programs continue to help farmers improve production, reduce losses, and grow high-value crops such as avocado, mango, and chilli.

Rwanda prepares for GM crops

Rwanda is also positioning itself to introduce genetically modified bananas in the coming years, part of a broader push to modernize agriculture. Speaking at the 2025 OFAB Africa Media Awards in Nairobi, Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), highlighted Africa’s growing food import bill, now estimated at US$70 billion annually and projected to reach US$111 billion by 2025.

“Biotechnology is essential for Africa, where most farming remains traditional despite growing threats from drought, pests, and climate change,” Kanangire said. “We work with governments, researchers, and seed producers to adapt global innovations to local crops and ensure farmers receive high-quality seeds, training, and support.”

Several African countries have made progress in adopting biotech crops. South Africa leads with GM maize and soybean, while Nigeria and Ghana have commercialized drought-tolerant maize and BT cowpea.

Since adopting its biosafety law, Rwanda has approved trials for improved maize, cassava, and potato, setting the stage for GM banana introduction.

“Public awareness and strong partnerships, including with journalists, will be key to building trust, improving adoption, and enabling Africa to modernize its food systems,” Kanangire added.

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