AfCFTA Activities

As Rwanda’s official AfCFTA trading company—appointed by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce and certified by the AfCFTA Secretariat—we have been pioneering continental trade since 2022. Explore our milestones in building Africa’s trade future.

28+

Months of Trading

1st

Official AfCFTA Company in Rwanda

 

2

Trade Corridors
 
 

750+

MSMEs Supported
 
 

Our AfCFTA Journey

Milestone April 4, 2025

CNBC Africa Feature

Featured on CNBC Africa discussing Rwanda’s significant progress in growing exports under the AfCFTA and the company’s pioneering role in facilitating continental trade.

Johannesburg, South Africa
Shipment January 15, 2025

AfCFTA Import: Fairafric Chocolate & Goldcoast Cocoa

Continued strengthening the Ghana-Rwanda trade corridor by importing Fairafric Chocolate and Goldcoast Cocoa Powder under the AfCFTA framework, bringing quality Ghanaian products to Rwandan consumers and businesses.

Accra, Ghana → Kigali, Rwanda
Product launch October 29, 2024

Taste Rwanda Event in Ghana

Made-in-Rwanda products received rave reviews at a ‘Taste Rwanda’ promotional event in Ghana, showcasing the quality and diversity of Rwandan exports to Ghanaian consumers and businesses.

Accra, Ghana
Shipment September 15, 2024

Historic 900kg Consolidated Shipment to Ghana

Became the first company to aggregate, consolidate, and ship 900 kilograms of value-added agricultural products to Ghana, including premium Rwandan coffee, tea, avocado oil, and honey. This groundbreaking shipment demonstrated the power of consolidated exports for MSMEs.

Accra, Ghana → Kigali, Rwanda
Milestone January 15, 2024

Consolidated Export Initiative Launch

Launched an innovative consolidated export initiative enabling local MSMEs to aggregate their goods into single shipments, reducing costs and expanding access to continental markets

Kigali, Rwanda
Shipment December 1, 2023

First Import Under AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative

Made history as the first company in Rwanda to import under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative, bringing Goldcoast Cocoa Powder from Ghana to Rwanda. This landmark import demonstrated the two-way trade potential of the Rwanda-Ghana corridor.

Accra, Ghana → Kigali, Rwanda
Milestone October 1, 2023

One Year of AfCFTA Trading

Celebrated one year of successful trading under the AfCFTA framework, having established sustainable trade relationships and demonstrated the viability of continental commerce for Rwandan businesses.

Kigali, Rwanda
Conference April 18, 2023

AfCFTA Business Forum – Cape Town

CEO Briggette Harrington participated in the African Continental Free Trade Area Business Forum in Cape Town, sharing insights on Rwanda’s pioneering role in continental trade and the experiences of trading under the Guided Trade Initiative.

Cape Town, South Africa
Conference March 20, 2023

UNECA Conference on AfCFTA

Briggette Harrington spoke at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) conference, discussing the company’s experience as one of the first businesses to trade under AfCFTA and advocating for greater MSME participation.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Shipment October 3, 2022

First Export Under AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative

Igire coffee became the first company in Rwanda to export under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative, shipping premium Rwandan coffee to Ghana. This historic milestone marked the beginning of preferential trade under the continental agreement and established the Rwanda-Ghana trade corridor.

Kigali, Rwanda → Accra, Ghana

The Guided Trade Initiative

Understanding our role in Africa’s landmark trade program

What is the GTI?

The Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) is a groundbreaking program launched by the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat to kickstart preferential trade within the continent while ensuring inclusivity across all regions.

Eight countries were initially selected to participate, with Rwanda being one of the pioneering nations. Igire Continental Trading Company became the first Rwandan business to complete a commercial transaction under this initiative.

Our Impact

  • Demonstrated the viability of AfCFTA trade for SMEs
  • Established the Rwanda-Ghana trade corridor
  • Enabled MSMEs to access continental markets
  • Promoted Made-in-Rwanda products across Africa