Rwanda imports about USD 3 billion worth of goods annually and exports about USD 1.5 billion. Closing that gap is a national priority, but it also represents opportunity for businesses on both sides of the equation.
Getting started
- Register your business with RDB — standard company registration
- Get customs clearance registration — register with Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) for customs
- Obtain an import/export license — from MINICOM (Ministry of Trade and Industry) for certain controlled goods
- Open a forex account — you’ll need to handle foreign currency transactions
Understanding customs and duties
Rwanda is part of the East African Community (EAC) customs union. Duty rates depend on product category:
- Raw materials: 0% duty
- Semi-finished goods: 10% duty
- Finished goods: 25% duty
- Sensitive items: may have additional protections
On top of customs duty, you’ll pay 18% VAT on the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value plus duty.
Logistics routes
Rwanda is landlocked, so goods arrive through neighbouring countries:
- Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) — the most common route. Port to Kigali takes 7–14 days by road
- Mombasa (Kenya) — alternative route through Uganda. Similar timeline
- Air freight — Kigali International Airport handles cargo. Faster but significantly more expensive
Export opportunities
Rwanda’s main exports and their opportunities:
- Coffee — speciality coffee commands premium prices internationally
- Tea — Rwanda is a significant tea exporter
- Minerals — tin, tantalum, tungsten (3Ts) — heavily regulated
- Textiles and garments — growing sector, especially under “Made in Rwanda”
- Horticulture — flowers and fresh produce to European and Middle Eastern markets
Practical tips
- Use a licensed customs clearing agent for your first few shipments until you understand the process
- Build relationships with freight forwarders who know the Rwanda corridor
- Factor in 2–4 weeks for first-time imports — it gets faster once you have established relationships
- Keep meticulous records — customs documentation errors cause expensive delays
- Build a professional website to establish credibility with international suppliers and buyers
Import/export is one of Rwanda’s most regulated business areas. Get the paperwork right from the start and you’ll avoid costly delays and penalties down the line.