• Rwanda
  • Resources
  • Market Information
  • Access to Markets

Quick information guide

Statistics

  • 42% of enterprises in Rwanda are led by women.
  • 58% of enterprises in the informal sector are women owned,
  • 30% of the national GDP are women’s contribution

Leading sectors include

  • Energy;
  • Agriculture;
  • trade and hospitality; and
  • financial services

Though Rwanda's economy is still rural and dependent on agriculture

Strong growth in the services sector is emerging, particularly in construction and tourism. Services sector is contributing to the overall economic growth.

Access to market in Rwanda

In 2018, the World Bank ranked Rwanda 29th out of 190 economies based on the ease of doing business in the country. The country’s ranking in 2018 was an improvement, having being ranked 41st in 2017, stride largely attributed to country's strong stand against corruption.

The Republic of Rwanda, as a member of the East Africa Community, has access to a regional market of over 172 million consumers. Rwanda is also a neighbor of the Democratic Republic of Congo which is not yet a member of the East African Community with a market size of approximately 35 million people.

Rwanda is also a neighbor of the Democratic Republic of Congo which is not yet a member of the East African Community with a market size of approximately 35 million people.

Women are many to enter into business with creative ideas, breaking even into male dominated sectors such ICT. This is attributed to the gender sensitive public policies in place.

It is however important to continue supporting women. According to the UN,  once women enter into business, they start battling existing hidden barriers such us lack of access to finance, inadequate information and weaker networks.

Women owned businesses

Sake Coffee

is a Women's Coffee Alliance selling processed Coffee

Agaseke k’Amahoro Cooperative

Peace Basket Cooperative sells artisan products