Rwanda recorded an 82.5 percent increase in fruit export revenues, totaling $34.7 million in the fiscal year 2023/2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda's Statistical Year Book 2024, released on December 31. This marks a substantial rise from the $19 million reported in the previous fiscal period. The report highlights contributions from over 10 fruit varieties and related products, with avocados accounting for a third of the total revenue.
Avocado exports specifically saw a near 74 percent increase, reaching over $11 million, up from $6.3 million in the prior year. This growth is part of a larger trend observed over the last four fiscal years, with fruit exports escalating from just over $7.7 million in 2020/2021 to $14.6 million in 2021/2022, and continuing to rise thereafter. The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) identifies avocados as a relatively new but increasingly significant export commodity for Rwanda, with current revenues representing a 13-fold increase from the $840,570 earned in 2019/2020.
Other notable fruit exports contributing to the 2024 fiscal year's success include oranges and similar products, generating $3.9 million, followed by ripe bananas at over $1.6 million, and mangoes exceeding $1.5 million. Rwanda's strategic efforts to expand its horticulture market presence, including securing avocado buyers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and participating in international exhibitions, have been instrumental in this growth.
Source: The New Times