Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda’s exports continued to rise in the third quarter of 2025, even as the country recorded a slight increase in its trade deficit, according to the latest figures from the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR).
Merchandise exports grew by 15 per cent, driven mainly by higher coffee and mineral sales and favourable global commodity prices.
Non-traditional exports increased by 50.5 per cent, led by manufactured goods such as cooking oil, wheat flour and animal feeds.
Imports rose by 7.4 per cent, largely due to higher inflows of consumer goods, especially medicines and maize, resulting in a 2.8 per cent widening of the trade deficit compared to 2024.
According to BNR Deputy Governor Nick Barigye, the central bank together with other government institutions, has intensified efforts to support industries and boost export volumes.
He explained that industries remain among the most financed sectors, with targeted lending aimed at helping manufacturers reduce reliance on imports.
“Take edible oil, for example. We import some of the raw materials, refine them locally and supply the domestic market before exporting the surplus.”
Barigye added that government bodies are working to increase the volume of crops that are performing well on global markets, such as coffee, tea and minerals.
He stressed that the mining sector is also receiving more financing as part of broader efforts to develop exports.
Speaking to The New Times, the Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi noted that while the quarterly increase may not fully reflect annual averages, as some transactions recorded in the third quarter may have been delayed from previous periods, measures are already in place to strengthen export performance.
“We are encouraging industries to make better use of skilled workers, extend working hours and streamline export services, so that transportation time is reduced,” he said.
“When logistics improve and productivity rises, exports follow, because the external market is served after meeting local demand,” he added.
Pierre Munyura, Chairperson of Mibirizi Coffee and Food Stuffs, a company that exports coffee based in Nyamasheke District, said production this year improved significantly due to good rainfall and better availability of pesticides.
He noted that global coffee prices offered a major boost as well.
“Coffee output changes from year to year,” he said, adding that 2025 benefited from favourable weather conditions.
He explained that the average price this season was about $4 per pound, up from under $3 during the same period last year.
To sustain growth, he said, exporters must continue maintaining strong ties with international buyers and ensure consistent quality.
Munyura acknowledged that banks have improved access to credit but still view agriculture as risky because of unstable prices.
In the mining sector, Innocent Kagenga, the Chairperson of the Rwanda Mining Association, said the third quarter was particularly productive because there was no heavy rains, which allows miners more operating hours without weather disruptions.
He said mineral prices had been relatively stable, unlike previous years when they fluctuated sharply. According to him, the industry is also benefiting from a growing number of trained mining professionals and increased adoption of modern equipment.
“We are seeing more mining graduates join the sector, and engineers are playing a bigger role in inspections to enforce compliance,” he said.
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