The minister made the remarks at the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Changsha, where he commended the broader China–Africa cooperation framework and its impact across multiple sectors.
“China and Africa enjoy strong and dynamic relations built on shared aspirations and reflected in tangible, people-centred results,” he said.
“The same holds true for Rwanda–China ties, which continue to grow through practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
His remarks come at a time when Rwanda and China are experiencing a renewed phase of economic engagement, marked by increased trade, new investment commitments, and a shared vision for sustainable development.
In a recent interview, Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, described the bilateral relationship as having moved “from engagement to action.” He credited the Rwandan government’s investor-friendly environment and China’s growing appetite for sustainable, innovation-led partnerships.
The results are already visible. Rwanda’s exports to China surged from $35 million in 2019 to nearly $160 million in 2024, a more than 350 percent increase in just five years.
Traditional exports like coffee and tea have been joined by newer products such as chilli, all benefiting from China’s zero-tariff policy for developing countries.
China, in turn, exports roughly $500 million worth of goods to Rwanda annually, illustrating a growing but still imbalanced trade relationship. However, the most significant shift is happening in direct investment. Between November 2023 and May 2024, more than 26 Chinese companies visited Rwanda, many returning with concrete investment proposals.
China was also the top source of foreign direct investment in Rwanda last year, ahead of India and the United States.
“All this begins with what our government has done in terms of creating a very conducive, attractive environment for investment,” said Kimonyo.
The alignment of Rwanda’s development goals with China’s “high-quality development” strategy, centred on sustainability, technology, and innovation, has opened new avenues of collaboration.
From climate-smart agriculture and green construction to smart transport and environmentally friendly manufacturing, the future of Rwanda–China cooperation is poised to be both transformative and sustainable.
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