Aubergines market in Rwanda

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh aubergine market in Rwanda began the period at 79.5 thousand tons in 2018. A slight decline to 77.5 thousand tons followed in 2019, coinciding with strengthened regulatory pressure on producers to adopt better packaging and labeling practices under the ongoing PSTA4 agricultural plan. However, production rebounded to 83.2 thousand tons in 2020, driven by government-led recommendations for using improved seeds, organic manure, and farmer training programs, which directly boosted crop yields.

Market growth accelerated sharply in 2021, reaching a peak of 94.3 thousand tons. This surge was supported by continued PSTA4 investments in the horticultural value chain, including funding for packing centers and the promotion of the 'RwandaFresh' brand, which attracted new private players. Volumes then contracted to 89.3 thousand tons in 2022 and further to 82.7 thousand tons in 2023. During these years, significant infrastructure developments took place, such as the start of construction on the EU-funded Kigali wholesale market aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, and the launch of Garden Fresh's new packing unit in Masoro, which expanded cold storage capacity and introduced stricter labeling standards.

In 2024, the government launched the PSTA5 strategic plan, setting new climate resilience and traceability goals for the horticultural sector, including mandatory country-of-origin labeling and GlobalGAP certification for exports. The year also saw Rwanda host the Africa Food Systems Forum, highlighting policies for digitalization and value-chain monitoring, alongside the operationalization of the EU-funded Kigali wholesale market, which established a more structured distribution framework with enhanced packaging standards.

Production aubergines in Rwanda

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Rwanda ranked 27th globally in aubergine production volume.

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

In 2020, Rwanda produced 83 186 tonnes of aubergines, marking a 7.3% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 63%, which translates to an annualized rate of 17.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 2.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 55.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports aubergines from Rwanda

Exports in kind, kg

In 2020, Rwanda's aubergine exports reached 16 206 kg, showing a steep rise of 48.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 12.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 936 kg, and the maximum in 2018 at 16 326 kg. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 33.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium was the primary destination for Rwanda's aubergine exports, accounting for 70.1% of total exports in kind, while other markets played a much smaller role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

In 2020, the value of aubergine exports from Rwanda amounted to 27 192 US dollars, reflecting a dramatic rise of 47.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 73%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.1%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 22.4%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 51.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Rwanda in value, 2017-2020, $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium and the United Kingdom together absorbed 94.2% of the total value of Rwanda's aubergine exports, with the remainder distributed among smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Rwanda in value, 2017-2020

Imports aubergines to Rwanda

Imports in kind, kg

In 2019, Rwanda imported 720 kg of aubergines, indicating a sharp decline of 39.5% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Throughout 2017 to 2020, imports in kind were heavily concentrated on Uganda, which accounted for 98.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

In 2019, the value of aubergine imports into Rwanda was 256 US dollars, showing an abrupt decline of 81.1% versus the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Rwanda in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Kenya and Uganda dominated the list of suppliers for Rwanda's aubergine imports, jointly accounting for 100.0% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Rwanda in value, 2017-2020