The delegation, led by Free State’s Prime Minister Ace Magashule, on July 19, 2017 met with Minister of State in charge of agriculture, Fulgence Nsengiyumva, and exchanged views on business opportunities.
The delegation, also accompanied by Rwanda’s High Commissioner to South Africa Vincent Karega, was provided with an overview of Rwanda’s agriculture sector in general and agricultural investment opportunities in particular.
In horticulture, for instance, they were told that the government of Rwanda is spearheading a floriculture project on 35 ha secured for Flower Park in Rwamagana District with targeted expansion 100 ha for roses production.
It was also noted that there is a huge potential for horticulture business ranging from vegetables such as French beans, snow peas, chilies, okra, hot pepper, to fruits like avocado, banana, passion fruit, tamarillo; and spices including ginger, and turmeric. They were also wooed to invest in Gako beef project, and Rwanda’s fisheries, among others.
During the meeting, the Minister of State Nsengiyumva told the delegation that Rwanda is committed to develop an agriculture sector that contributes significantly to Rwanda's economic growth.
Members of the delegation asked many more questions and got responses in a bid to learn more about Rwanda’s agriculture sector. They also exchanged contacts with the ministry’s officials for further information on available business opportunities in agriculture.
Agriculture accounts for 33% of Rwanda’s GDP and employs 69% of the labor force and 80% in rural areas. The sector meets 90% of the national food needs.