The 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda, damaged its fragile economic base, severely impoverished the remaining population, and eroded the country’s ability to attract private and external investment.

This tragic setback came on the heels of an economic downturn in the 1980s as the world price of coffee plunged. Since peace was restored Rwanda has, however, made significant progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy – GDP has rebounded, and inflation has been curbed.

Currently the emphasis is on diversification away from coffee and tea towards mining and tourism.

Country Profile

In the west the Republic of Rwanda borders on Lake Kivu. On its eastern border with Tanzania it shares marshy lakes along the Kagera River. The climate is tropical with rainfall ranging between 800 and 1,400 mm (32 and 55 inches).

Much of the terrain is covered with lush vegetation. Conservation regions include well-known game parks such as Akagera National Park and Parc National des Volcans where the mountain gorilla and other endangered species are found. Most inhabitants are Banyarwanda, of whom 80% are Hutu and the rest Tutsi.

They speak Kinyarwanda, which, together with French and English, is an official language. Most Rwandans are Christians.

Business Activity

Agriculture

Coffee, tea, pyrethrum, bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes, livestock.

Industries

Cement, agricultural processing, beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes.

Natural Resources

Gold, casseterite, (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), natural gas, hydropower.

Export

$167 million (est.2007): coffee, tea, hides, and tin ore.

 Imports

$585 million (est.2007): foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products, construction material.

Major Trading Partners

China, Germany, Kenya, US, Uganda, Belgium.

Source: Les de Villiens, Africa 2009, Ninth Edition (A publication of The Corporate Council on Africa and Business Books International)