According to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank projections, Rwanda’s economy this year is set to perform better than last year, with growth estimated at between 7.2 and 7.5 per cent.One of the key drivers will be the agricultural sector.Many tend to make the mistake that the agricultural sector is limited to farming and animal husbandry, but there are many unexploited opportunities out that could be tapped.Adding value to agricultural products through processing and packaging is one of the areas for which the government is seeking foreign investors. It has pulled all the stops to make sure the investment climate is conducive and is marketing the country as an investment destination of choice.Attracting foreign investors has not been the government’s sole focus, but supporting local producers and seeking foreign markets is also high on the agenda.The story of a 27-year old young man who is making a fortune in meat processing is one example, and yet he only makes sausages for the local market. The only thing that stands between him and the foreign markets are high packaging and transport costs.Many local entrepreneurs face similar challenges, but they are not insurmountable. How to conquer new foreign markets is no longer a mystery.Enterprising businesses have already cultivated a lucrative market in Congo Brazzaville which is already consuming Rwandan agricultural products such as beef, vegetables, fruits and dairy products.Many more markets await.What this sector needs is professionalising and the government will to assist is there.
