Rwanda’s meat exports more than doubled, reaching $22.3 million in the fiscal year 2022/2023 from $8.8 million in 2021/2022, according to data from the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). On export volumes, more than 8,721 tonnes of meat were exported from the country in 2022/2023, compared to over 5,485 tonnes in the previous fiscal year, representing a 59 percent increase. According to NAEB, pork and beef are the main types of meat exported from Rwanda, with approximately 99 per cent of exports going to African countries, particularly DR Congo, and a small portion distributed among Canada, the US, and the Netherlands. It indicated that the government has been actively working on initiatives to boost the meat industry, investing in infrastructure, extension services, safety, and quality control. According to information from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, one of the projects that Rwanda is banking on to increase quality meat production for both local and export markets is the Gako meat project in Bugesera District. Under its feasibility study, it was expected the project would have a feedlot capacity of 56,000 bulls to be properly fed for beef production purposes, and an abattoir with a capacity to slaughter at least 120 bulls per hour, as per data from Gako Meat Company Ltd — the firm owning the project. ALSO READ: Gako meat project on course to profitability – MPs told Moreover, NAEB observed that the meat industry contributes significantly to Rwanda’s economy in terms of employment and foreign exchange earnings. Herve Tuyishime, CEO of Paniel Meat Processing Ltd, one of the meat exporters, said that there is a growing interest from some Middle East countries in mutton, beef, and goat. However, he said that their current exports primarily consist of live animals, including beef cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs that are mainly exported to DR Congo. He said Rwanda ensures the quality and safety of its meat exports through Rwanda Inspection, Certification, and Accreditation Services (RICA) under the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). “RICA supervises the entire meat export process, from processing and packaging to storage and transport, ensuring adherence to regional and international standards,” he explained. Regarding the meat industry’s growth compared to other agricultural sectors, NAEB pointed out that Rwanda’s meat industry has experienced growth, however it is not as dominant as sectors like coffee, tea, and horticulture. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s annual agric export revenues reach Rwf860bn The latest study on the Mapping of Meat Value Chain and Gap Analysis of the Meat Sub-Sector (MINICOM, 2022) highlighted several challenges that are holding back the meat industry from being competitive in both local and international markets. These include low capacity for quality meat production, skills gaps, compliance issues with international standards, and lack of value addition. Despite these challenges, NAEB observed that the Rwandan government has implemented strategies to support the industry’s growth, such as providing support to the private sector, crafting policies and regulations, ensuring enforcement, and enhancing infrastructure. Looking ahead, pointed out that opportunities for further expansion and diversification of Rwanda’s meat export market exist, including positive livestock population trends, existing laws and regulations, slaughterhouse certification processes, and developed veterinary services.
