On 25th March 2026, Rwanda took a significant step toward transforming its agricultural sector following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES).

The partnership will focus on the technical rehabilitation and operationalization of 10 cold-room packhouse facilities across the country, converting underutilized infrastructure into a coordinated national network that supports climate-resilient agriculture, research, and market access.

This initiative is designed not only to improve infrastructure but also to strengthen the entire agricultural system by linking farmers to markets, reducing post-harvest losses, and enabling value addition and export growth. The facilities, located in Rulindo, Rwamagana, Gatsibo, Ngoma, Nyanza, and Karongi, are expected to serve more than 400,000 smallholder farmers across key production zones.

Each packhouse will feature modern processing and cold storage capabilities, including temperature-controlled environments, solar-powered energy systems, and post-harvest handling infrastructure. These features will allow produce to move efficiently from farms to markets under controlled conditions, significantly extending shelf life and improving product quality.

The project is also positioned as a strong investment opportunity within Rwanda’s agricultural sector. Technical assessments indicate that the country’s fruit and vegetable cold-chain market spans over 495,000 hectares across more than 13,000 production sites. The 10-packhouse network alone will cover 36 percent of this market, serving over 4,800 production sites and supporting an annual output of more than 2.3 million metric tonnes of produce. Even at minimal utilization, the facilities are expected to operate at full capacity, demonstrating both scalability and commercial viability.

In addition to strengthening domestic supply chains, the initiative will establish integrated food corridors that connect farmers to premium local markets as well as regional and international export opportunities. The facilities will operate under recognized food safety and quality standards, including HACCP and Rwanda GAP, with plans to progress toward Global G.A.P. certification, ensuring compliance with international market requirements.

The agreement reflects a broader shift toward systems-based agricultural development. Under this collaboration, MINAGRI will provide policy guidance and coordination, while ACES will lead on technical design, operationalization, training, and business model development. The facilities will also function as hubs for innovation, research, and skills development, supported by a joint steering committee to oversee implementation and scaling.

Speaking at the signing, the Permanent Secretary of MINAGRI, Dr. Olivier Kamana, emphasized that the partnership marks a critical step in modernizing Rwanda’s agriculture sector. He noted that strengthening cold-chain systems will not only reduce post-harvest losses but also open new opportunities for value addition, exports, and increased rural incomes. He added that the initiative is about building inclusive systems that enable farmers to actively participate in the economy through innovation and sustainable investment.

Professor Toby Peters, Executive Director of ACES, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative, noting that while agricultural production is often prioritized, the key challenge lies in connecting farms to markets. He emphasized that the project addresses this gap by integrating cooling, logistics, standards, skills, and market access into a single system, positioning Rwanda as a model for climate-smart agricultural development.

Beyond its national impact, the initiative also positions Rwanda as a platform for scaling sustainable cold-chain solutions across Africa. It opens new opportunities for collaboration with investors, agribusinesses, logistics providers, and market off takers, while contributing to food security, climate resilience, and green economic growth.

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