Rwanda’s 2026 law governing agriculture introduces measures to identify crop pests, report suspected infestations and quarantine affected areas, as authorities seek to prevent diseases from spreading through trade and the movement of plant materials.

The law that took effect on September 11 provides for pest surveillance, risk assessment, outbreak declarations and inspections of plants and plant products entering or leaving the country.

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Patrick Karangwa, the Director General of Agriculture Modernisation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, told The New Times that the previous framework "had gaps in dealing with cross-border trade risks, traceability, and rapid localized containment.”

Under the new framework, the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) assesses and classifies pests according to the risks they pose, including how they may enter and spread. The assessments can be updated when new scientific or technical information becomes available.

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The law also requires anyone who knows or reasonably suspects the presence of pests in plants, plant products or other regulated items to report the matter to the nearest administrative authority.

When a pest outbreak is identified, the responsible minister may declare an outbreak, designate a quarantine area and announce measures to contain it. RICA can also establish control or eradication measures, which owners of affected fields and premises are required to implement.

RICA to oversee inspections and quarantine

Karangwa said RICA’s role includes border controls, phytosanitary inspections of imports and exports, laboratory testing controls and specialised quarantine posts.

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"RICA’s role is strictly regulatory and operational,” he said.

The law requires imported plant consignments to comply with phytosanitary measures and carry a certificate issued by the plant protection organisation in the country of origin. Exporters must apply for phytosanitary certificates and provide the import requirements of the destination country.

It also allows inspectors to hold plants, plant products and other regulated items for further examination where there are reasonable grounds to suspect non-compliance.

RAB to retain research role

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) will retain the responsibility for scientific research, seed innovation, farmer education, capacity building and agricultural extension.

Karangwa said these non-regulatory responsibilities "remain fully under the mandate of RAB.”

The 2026 law governing agriculture consolidates and updates provisions previously covered by separate laws on seeds and plant varieties, plant health protection, and the use of fertilisers and pesticides. It also introduces a dedicated chapter on farming practices.