Rwandan horticulture exporters showcased their products at the Organic & Natural Products Expo in Dubai, held from November 18-20, 2024. The expo, a premier platform for organic and natural goods, provided a unique opportunity for Rwanda to expand its footprint in the Middle East’s growing demand for fresh and high-quality produce.
Ambassador John Mirenge, Rwanda’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), met with the exporters during the event, emphasizing the importance of such platforms in boosting Rwanda’s export potential. “This expo is a gateway for Rwandan businesses to build strategic partnerships and tap into the lucrative markets of the UAE and the broader Middle East,” Ambassador Mirenge stated.
Rwanda’s participation in the expo aligns with its national agenda to diversify export markets and strengthen trade ties with the UAE, a key trading partner. The Middle East presents a significant opportunity for Rwandan exporters, given the region’s high demand for organic fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural products.
Rwandan exhibitors at the expo showcased a variety of goods, including avocados, passion fruits, and specialty teas. These products, already gaining recognition for their quality, aim to cater to the UAE’s growing appetite for premium organic produce.
The Organic & Natural Products Expo serves as a critical platform for exhibitors to connect with buyers, distributors, and retailers from across the region. “Events like these allow us to demonstrate the quality and sustainability of Rwandan produce, while also building networks that will facilitate long-term trade relationships,” said one of the exporters at the event.
Ambassador Mirenge also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to support exporters through initiatives such as streamlined trade policies, quality certification programs, and enhanced logistical capabilities to ensure timely delivery of fresh produce.
As Rwanda continues to position itself as a reliable supplier of organic and natural products, events like the Dubai expo offer a valuable platform to showcase its potential. With its strategic focus on sustainability and quality, Rwanda is poised to become a key player in the Middle East’s organic food market.
The Rwandan exporters say they will leave the expo armed with new leads and potential contracts that could significantly boost the country’s export earnings.